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USES: This medication is used to treat leukemia and certain cancers.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Oncaspar
Uses
This medication is used to treat leukemia and certain cancers.
Notes
- Laboratory tests will be done frequently to monitor your progress.
Storage
- Store this medication in the refrigerator as directed.
- Do not freeze or shake.
- This medication does not work if it has been frozen.
- Check the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that time.
Photos
How To Use
- HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Use this as directed.
- This medication is administered by injection into a vein or muscle usually once every 14 days.
- The dose and frequency of use will be determined in part by your condition and response to the drug.
- Pegaspargase is often used in combination with other cancer-fighting drugs.
- This medication must be handled carefully because it can irritate the skin.
- Do not use this medication if it has been previously frozen.
Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, gas, headache, change in appetite, dizziness, cough, hair loss or night sweats may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
- Notify your doctor if you develop mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, skin rash, itching, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills), breathing trouble, pain, seizures, swelling of the face or lips, chest pain, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat while taking this medication.
- If an allergic reaction to this drug occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of liver disease, pancreatitis, any infections and of any allergies you may have.
- Because this medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection, avoid touching your eyes or inside your nose without first washing your hands.
- Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
- Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
- Pegaspargase should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk.
- Breast-feeding is usually stopped while using anticancer drugs.
- Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
Missed Dose
- It is important that each dose be used as directed.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, including "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), aspirin or methotrexate.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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