• Call: +92 2136270666
  • Main Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi.
  • Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Calaspargase

Chemotherapy
Often used for: Leukemia

About calaspargase

Calaspargase is a chemotherapy medicine that slows or stops the growth of cells. It may be used with other medicines to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). After the infusion, the care team watches closely for allergic reactions. Regular tests monitor blood counts, clotting factors, pancreatic enzymes, blood sugar, liver function, and kidney function.

Given as a liquid into a vein by IV

Other names

Calaspargase pegol, Calaspargase pegol-mknl injection

Possible side effects

  • High blood sugar levels
  • Increased risk of bleeding or blood clots
  • Liver problems
  • Ongoing abdominal pain that may spread to the back, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Increased triglyceride levels in the blood
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Allergic reaction: Symptoms may include hives, rash, itching, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Not all patients who take this medicine will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report any symptoms or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tips for patients and families

  • Discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • After receiving calaspargase, patients may be monitored for 1 hour for allergic reactions.
  • Inform the care team about any history of pancreatitis, blood clots, severe bleeding, or allergic reaction, especially during treatment with other asparaginase medicines, and about diabetes.
  • Contact the health care provider if severe stomach, back, or sudden abdominal pain occurs, or for severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or pain in a limb, or problems with vision, speech, or walking.
  • Patients may bleed more easily. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid activities that can cause injury.
  • Report unusual thirst, hunger, or frequent urination to the care team right away.
  • Tell the care team if the patient is sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after therapy is complete, using a non-hormonal birth control method.