Rasburicase (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 25, 2021.
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Hemolysis, Methemoglobinemia, and Interference with Uric Acid MeasurementsHypersensitivity Reactions: Rasburicase can cause serious and fatal hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Immediately and permanently discontinue rasburicase if a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs.Hemolysis: Do not administer rasburicase to patients with glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Immediately and permanently discontinue rasburicase if hemolysis occurs. Screen patients at higher risk for G6PD deficiency (e.g., patients of African or Mediterranean ancestry) prior to starting rasburicase therapy.Methemoglobinemia: Rasburicase can result in methemoglobinemia in some patients. Immediately and permanently discontinue rasburicase if methemoglobinemia occurs.Interference with uric acid measurements: Rasburicase enzymatically degrades uric acid in blood samples left at room temperature. Collect blood samples in pre-chilled tubes containing heparin and immediately immerse and maintain sample in an ice water bath. Assay plasma samples within 4 hours of collection .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Elitek
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme
Uses for rasburicase
Rasburicase injection treats high uric acid blood levels (hyperuricemia) that are caused by cancer treatment. Rasburicase is used in adults and children with certain types of cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, or solid tumors).
Rasburicase is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using rasburicase
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For rasburicase, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to rasburicase or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of rasburicase injection in children.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of rasburicase injection in the elderly. M
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
