How does this medicine work?

Pegaspargase (peg-as-par-gace) destroys leukemia cancer cells in all phases of cell life.

How should I give it?

It is given by injection (shot) into the muscle or as an infusion in the hospital or clinic.

What are the side effects?

Common

  • change in blood clotting factors

Occasional

  • mild nausea
  • vomiting
  • high blood sugar
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • signs of allergic reaction:
    •  fever or chills
    •  rash or hives
    •  wheezing
    • trouble breathing
    •  redness at injection site

Rare

  • changes in liver or kidney function
  • loss of appetite
  • pancreatitis
  • blood clotting problems

When should I call the clinic?

Call hematology helpline 982403210 if:

    • fever, chills
    • unusual bleeding or bruising
    • unable to move arms or legs
    • joint or stomach pain
    • pain with urination
    • urinating more than normal
    • extremely thirsty
    • signs of allergic reaction:
      •  redness at injection site
      •  fever or chills
      •  rash or hives
      • wheezing
      •  trouble breathing – call 112

What else do I need to know?

All caregivers should wear gloves when handling urine, stool, and vomit while your child is receiving the chemotherapy and for 48 hours afterward. Urine, stool, and vomit can be safely disposed of in septic tanks and the sewer system.

Any clothing or bed linens that are contaminated with urine, stool, or vomit should be washed separately from other laundry in hot water and detergent. Anyone handling the laundry should wear gloves.

The urine will need to be checked for glucose (sugar). Due to the chance of allergic reactions, patients should stay in the clinic for 30 to 60 minutes after the medicine is given. Pegaspargase can cause a reaction up to 48 hours after receiving a dose, so you will receive a prescription for medicines to start treatment of allergic reactions at home. Keep these medicines together in a plastic bag with this instruction sheet. It is best to keep the kit with you at all times for 3 days after receiving the pegaspargase dose.

You and your child should know the names of all the medicines he or she is taking. It is important to share this information with anyone involved in your child’s care.

What should I do if my child has an allergic reaction?

If your child has any of these signs of an allergic reaction, follow the steps below:

  • redness at the injection site
  •  rash or hives
  •  fever or chills
  • wheezing
  •  trouble breathing – call 112
  1. Give the checked medicines right away.
      • diphenhydramine (Benedryl® or another brand) mg ( ml or tablets) Give one dose every 4 hours for 6 doses.
      • prednisone mg ( tablets) Give 1 dose. or
      • prednisolone mg (_ ml) Give 1 dose.
  2. Call the oncology clinic right away and report that your child is having an allergic reaction to pegaspargase.
  3. The doctor may tell you to use the EpiPen®. The EpiPen contains the medicine epinephine, which is used to treat allergic emergencies. To use the EpiPen, remove the gray safety cap. Push the EpiPen against the outside of the thigh and hold for several seconds. This releases a spring-activated plunger. The plunger then automatically pushes the needle through the clothes into the thigh muscle, and the epinephine dose goes into the muscle. The injection is fairly painless.
  4. The doctor will tell you if you need to seek emergency treatment.

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call:

Hematology Clinic
3rd floor, Kedar
Opp.Krupa Petrol Pump,
Parimal Garden, Ambawadi
Clinic: 07926463219
Whattsapp: 8238065890