đź’Š DESCRIPTION
L-Asparaginase is an enzyme-based anticancer drug used in the treatment of certain blood cancers. It works by depleting L-asparagine, an amino acid required for the survival of leukemia cells.
- Form: Lyophilized powder for injection
- Strength: 5000 KU (Kunits units) per vial
- Route: Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM) injection
- Drug Class: Enzyme-based antineoplastic agent
- Source: Derived from Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Indications:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – especially in pediatric protocols
- Also used in some lymphoma treatment regimens
âś… ADVANTAGES
- Selective cytotoxicity – targets leukemia cells while sparing normal cells
- Effective as part of multi-agent chemotherapy regimens (e.g., with vincristine, prednisone, daunorubicin)
- Useful in induction and consolidation phases of ALL treatment
- Available as native, pegylated, and Erwinia-derived forms (for allergy management)
🌿 NATURE
- Mechanism of Action:
- L-asparaginase hydrolyzes L-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia
- Leukemia cells lack asparagine synthetase and rely on external asparagine
- Depleting serum asparagine inhibits protein synthesis, leading to apoptosis in leukemic cells
- Not cell cycle–specific, but most active during G1 phase
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Hypersensitivity reactions:
- Common and may be life-threatening (anaphylaxis)
- Pre-medication and test doses may be advised
- Pancreatitis: Monitor for abdominal pain and serum amylase/lipase
- Coagulopathy: Alters clotting factors – may cause bleeding or thrombosis
- Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
- Hyperglycemia: Especially in combination with steroids
- Neurotoxicity: Confusion, drowsiness, or seizures (rare)
- Avoid intrathecal administration – fatal
🧊 STORAGE
- Before reconstitution:
- Store at 2–8°C (refrigerated)
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- After reconstitution:
- Use immediately
- If necessary, may be stored at 2–8°C for a few hours (consult manufacturer’s instructions)
- Discard if discolored or particles are present
👨‍⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Inform your doctor of any history of allergies, pancreatitis, or liver disease
- Report immediately:
- Fever, rash, difficulty breathing (possible allergic reaction)
- Abdominal pain (may indicate pancreatitis)
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or confusion
- Avoid alcohol during treatment
- May require frequent blood tests to monitor clotting, liver function, and glucose
- Avoid activities that increase bleeding risk
- If on steroids, monitor for signs of high blood sugar
📦 PACKAGING
- Primary Packaging:
- Type I glass vial containing 5000 KU of lyophilized white powder
- Rubber stopper and flip-off seal
- Secondary Packaging:
- Individual box with prescribing information
- Label includes:
- Name and strength (L-Asparaginase 5000 KU)
- Batch number, expiry date
- Storage conditions
- “Cytotoxic – handle with care” marking