Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (Intramuscular)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Erwinaze

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Asparaginase

Uses for asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is used together with other cancer medicines to treat a certain type of blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi is used in patients who have had an allergic reaction to E. coli-derived asparaginase.

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic agents. It interferes with the growth of the cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.

Before you begin treatment with Erwinaze®, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi as well as the risks of using it.

Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Before using asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi

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 asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi 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 Erwinaze® in children 1 year of age and older.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Erwinaze® in the geriatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi.

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. When you are receiving asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how ofte...