Often used for:
Leukemia, Lymphoma
About asparaginase
Recombinant Erwinia asparaginase (Rylaze®) is a type of chemotherapy. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cells. It is used in combination with other medicines and is given to patients who have had reactions to similar drugs such as calaspargase (Asparlas), asparaginase (Elspar®), or pegaspargase (Oncaspar®).
The care team will watch your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction. Your child will have regular tests to check blood counts, blood clotting factors, pancreatic enzymes, blood sugar, liver function, and kidney function.
Possible side effects
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Increased risk of bleeding or blood clots
- Liver problems
- Increased triglyceride levels in the blood
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Muscle or joint pain
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Ongoing abdominal pain that may spread to the back, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Increased risk of stroke
- Swelling, pain, redness, and warmth at the injection site
- Allergic Reaction: Symptoms may include hives, rash, itching, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Not all patients who take this medicine will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report any symptoms or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for families
- Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- After receiving asparaginase, your child may be monitored for 1 hour for symptoms of an allergic reaction. Do not leave the hospital during this time. Report injection site swelling, pain, redness, or warmth right away.
- Tell your care team if your child has a history of pancreatitis, blood clots, allergic reaction, severe bleeding, or diabetes.
- Call the clinic for severe stomach or back pain, sudden headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking.
- Your child may bleed more easily. Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush and avoid activities that can cause injury.
- Report unusual thirst, hunger, or frequent urination immediately.
- It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after treatment is complete.
- Follow chemotherapy safety instructions to protect caregivers. Avoid contact with patient body fluids for 48 hours after treatment.
