Your doctor has ordered the drug pegaspargase to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a large muscle or vein.
acute lymphocytic leukemia
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Pegaspargase is in a class of drugs known as enzymes; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
nausea and vomiting
loss of appetite
diarrhea
abdominal pain
headache
numbness or tingling in the fingertips
fatigue
unusual bruising or bleeding
dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling of faintness
pain or redness at the injection site
persistent diarrhea or any change in normal bowel habits for more than 2 days
night sweats
fever
chills
cough
shortness of breath
breathing discomfort
rash
itching or redness of the skin
muscle pain
stiffness in your joints
cramps
difficult or frequent urination
constant thirst
yellowing of the skin or eyes
swelling of the feet or ankles
seizures
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
The most common side effect of pegaspargase is a decrease of blood cells. Your doctor may order tests before, during, and after your treatment to see if your blood cells are affected by the drug.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.