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Asparaginase

Details of the Drug
Generic Name:
Asparaginase
Pronunciation:
a-SPARE-a-gin-ase
Drug Type:
Enzyme that prevents cancer cells from surviving
How the Drug is Given:

Intravenously (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection

Names:
Asparaginase

Indications and Usage

Asparaginase is FDA approved in combination with chemotherapy to treat people who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Side effects needing medical attention

Difficulty in breathing; joint pain; puffy face; rash or itching; stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting; fever or chills; inability to move arm or leg; unusual bleeding or bruising; confusion; drowsiness; lower back or side pain; hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there); depression; nervousness; sores in the mouth or on lips; swelling of feet or lower legs; tiredness; unusually frequent urination; unusual thirst; seizures; severe headache.

For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.