erwinaze

Erwinaze is an injectable medicine containing asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi. Asparaginase is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Erwinaze is used to treat acute lymphocytic lymphoma.

Erwinaze may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not receive Erwinaze if you are allergic to asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, or if you have received asparaginase (Elspar) in the past and it caused you to have serious pancreas problems, a blood clot, or serious bleeding problems.

Some people develop a life-threatening allergic reaction to asparaginase. You will need to receive Erwinaze in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Erwinaze: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe pain in your upper stomach, nausea and vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, increased thirst of urination, sudden numbness or severe headache, warmth or swelling in your legs, or sudden problems with your vision, speech, or balance.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Erwinaze if you are allergic to asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, or if you have received asparaginase (Elspar) in the past and it caused you to have:

• serious pancreas problems;

• a blood clots; or

• serious bleeding problems.

To make sure you can safely use Erwinaze, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• diabetes;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;

• a history of blood clots; or

• a history of pancreas problems.

It is not known whether Erwinaze will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Erwinaze. It is not known whether asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

You should not breast-feed while you are using Erwinaze.

How should I take Erwinaze?

Erwinaze is injected into a muscle.

Some people develop a life-threatening allergic reaction to asparaginase. You will need to receive this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Erwinaze injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since Erwinaze is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid?

Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Asparaginase can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Erwinaze side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Erwinaze: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

• any bleeding that will not stop;

• fever;

• seizure (convulsions);

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;

• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or

• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss).

Less serious Erwinaze side effects may include:

• mild nausea;

• diarrhea; or

• mild stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Erwinaze?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Erwinaze. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.