L Asparaginase
About
L Asparaginase belongs to the class of medicines called antineoplastic (anticancer) agents used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (a type of blood and bone marrow cancer). Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. It is a type of blood cancer which causes excessive production of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) by the bone marrow.
L Asparaginase contains L Asparaginase which works by lowering asparagine levels in the body, which is necessary for the survival of cancer cells. Thus, L Asparaginase stops the cancer cells from dividing and growing.
L Asparaginase will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Sometimes, L Asparaginase may cause common side effects such as nausea, weight loss, generalised pain or muscle pain, infections or a decrease in normal blood content. Most of these side effects of L Asparaginase do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to L asparaginase or other medicines, please tell your doctor. You are recommended to avoid breastfeeding during treatment with L Asparaginase as there may be a risk to the feeding child. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, please inform your doctor before receiving L Asparaginase. Also, you are recommended to use effective contraceptive methods before and for at least 3 months after treatment with L Asparaginase to prevent pregnancy. L Asparaginase is given to children in doses as advised by the doctor, depending on the age. Avoid driving after receiving L Asparaginase as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Uses of L Asparaginase
Medicinal Benefits
L Asparaginase contains L Asparaginase, an anticancer agent used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (a type of blood and bone marrow cancer). It lowers the levels of asparagine in the body, which is necessary for the survival of cancer cells. Thus, L Asparaginase stops the cancer cells from dividing and growing.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of L Asparaginase
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Generalised pain or muscle pain
- Infections
- Swelling at the injection site
- loss of appetite
- headache
- lack of energy
- drowsiness
- Stomach cramps
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to L asparaginase or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. You are recommended to avoid breastfeeding during treatment with L Asparaginase as there may be a risk to the feeding child. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please inform your doctor before receiving L Asparaginase. Also, you are recommended to use effective contraceptive methods before and for at least three months after treatment with L Asparaginase to prevent pregnancy. L Asparaginase is given to children in doses as advised by the doctor, depending on the age. Avoid driving after receiving L Asparaginase if you experience drowsiness or dizziness. L Asparaginase may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, consult your doctor if you notice any signs of infection and avoid contact with people having viral infections. If you experience any significant bleeding during treatment with L Asparaginase, inform your doctor immediately, as L Asparaginase may affect your body’s ability to prevent excessive bleeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking other anticancer drugs (cytarabine, methotrexate, vincristine), corticosteroids (prednisone) and oral contraceptives.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: L Asparaginase is not given if you have or previously had severe pancreatitis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid or limit alcohol consumption while on treatment with L Asparaginase as it may worsen your condition.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLimited data available on the effect of L Asparaginase on pregnant women. Hence, if you are pregnant, or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving L Asparaginase. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid breastfeeding during treatment with L Asparaginase as there may be a risk to the child.
Driving
cautionL Asparaginase may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience any such side effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Liver
cautionIf you have pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving L Asparaginase. Your doctor may recommend regular tests to monitor liver function while receiving L Asparaginase.
Kidney
cautionIf you have pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving L Asparaginase. Your doctor may recommend regular tests to monitor kidney function while receiving L Asparaginase.
Children
cautionThe dosage for children is recommended based on their age, body weight and condition of the child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and low-fat proteins like lean meats, fish and poultry.
- Drink plenty of water daily during treatment with L Asparaginase, as some cancer therapies may cause dehydration.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Regularly wash your hands and avoid contact with people having infections.
- Quit smoking.
Special Advise
- Your doctor will monitor you closely during and after treatment with L Asparaginase for normal blood content, allergic reactions, and kidney, pancreas and liver functions.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): It is a type of blood cancer which causes excessive production of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) by the bone marrow. It is the most common childhood cancer. The symptoms include bleeding from gums, weakness, bone pain, joint pain, bruises, extreme tiredness, paleness, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, groin region or under the arms, fever or shortness of breath. The risk factors include exposure to high levels of radiation, viral infections, inherited syndromes, smoking, prolonged exposure to certain chemicals or chemotherapy drugs or even diesel.
FAQs
L Asparaginase contains L Asparaginase, an anticancer agent that works by lowering asparagine levels in the body, which is necessary for the survival of cancer cells. Thus, L Asparaginase stops the cancer cells from dividing and growing.
L Asparaginase may increase blood sugar levels. This can be controlled by receiving insulin. However, if you notice any symptoms such as increased thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, tiredness, or blurred vision, please inform your doctor, as these might be symptoms of high blood sugar levels.
L Asparaginase may cause stomach pain in some patients. You are advised to inform your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain, as it may be a sign of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
