Asparaginase Medak

Country of origin - Germany
Pharm-Group - Enzymes used to treat cancer

Manufacturers - Medak GmbH (Germany)
International name - Asparaginase
Synonyms - L-asparaginase, L-asparaginase, L-asparaginase for injection, Leinase, PEG-L-asparaginase (Oncaspar)
Dosage forms - lyophilized powder for the preparation of injection solution 10000IU, lyophilized powder for the preparation of injection solution 5000IU
Composition - Active ingredient - asparaginase.

Indications for use: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, relapsing acute myeloblastic leukemia, T-cell lymphoma, lymphosarcoma, reticulosarcoma.

Contraindications - Hypersensitivity, dysfunction of the liver, kidneys, pancreas (including a history), diseases of the central nervous system, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Side effects - From the cardiovascular system and blood (hematopoiesis, hemostasis): decreased levels of coagulation factors (V, VII, VIII, IX), hypofibrinogenemia, hypocoagulation, tendency to hemorrhages. Allergic reactions: rash, urticaria, anaphylactic shock. From the gastrointestinal tract: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, malabsorption syndrome, pancreatic necrosis, liver dysfunction. From the nervous system and sensory organs: headache, irritability, anxiety, drowsiness, depression, hallucinations, tremor, coma. From the genitourinary system: glucosuria, polyuria, proteinuria, acute renal failure. Metabolism: changes in transaminase activity, hyperenzymemia, hyperglycemia, hyper- or hypolipidemia; hypoalbuminemia accompanied by edema; azotemia, changes in uric acid concentration. Other: chills, development of infections, muscle hypertonicity, arthralgia, respiratory distress syndrome, weight loss, fatal hyperthermia.

Interaction - With simultaneous use of vincristine or prednisolone, side effects are cumulative. Weakens the effectiveness of drugs acting on dividing pools of tumor cells (can reduce or eliminate the antitumor effect of methotrexate), disrupts the detoxification of xenobiotics in the liver.

Overdose - Symptoms: acute anaphylactic reaction, severe bleeding, acute renal failure and even death. Treatment: hospitalization, monitoring of vital functions; symptomatic therapy (antipyretics, antihistamines, correction of water-electrolyte balance and acid-base balance, hemostatic therapy, glucocorticosteroids).

Special instructions - Use is possible only under the supervision of a physician experienced in chemotherapy. Adequate measures and facilities must be in place to diagnose and treat possible complications. It is necessary to examine the content of glucose, prothrombin, fibrinogen, bilirubin, cholesterol, total protein, protein fractions, activity of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, diastase and other enzymes at least once a week. If there is a sharp change in indicators, a decrease in the level of prothrombin below 60% and a fibrinogen concentration of less than 3 g/l, an increase in blood clotting time, or the development of pancreatitis, treatment should be stopped and the necessary therapy should be carried out. In order to prevent nephropathy caused by uric acid (formed as a result of the breakdown of a large number of leukocytes), it is recommended to prescribe allopurinol or increase the intake of liquid that alkalinizes the urine. In case of contact of the drug with skin or mucous membranes, thoroughly rinse for 15 minutes with water (mucous membranes) or water and soap (skin). Toxic effects are more pronounced in adults than in children. Before starting treatment, an individual tolerance test is carried out.

Literature - Encyclopedia of Medicines 2004.