More from L-spar
Other strengths and forms by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC
Indications & Uses
L-Asparginase injection is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is not given on its own but as one part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen.
Pharmacology
L-Asparginase is thought to work by selectively killing leukemic cells through the depletion of plasma asparagine. Some leukemic cells can't make their own asparagine because they lack asparagine synthetase, so they depend on asparagine from outside to survive. When treatment with the enzyme L-asparaginase removes that asparagine, these cells die. Normal cells are less affected, because they can synthesize asparagine themselves.
L-Asparginase for Injection contains the enzyme L-Asparagine Amidohydrolase, type EC-2. Asparginase is not absorbed from the GI tract, so it must be given IM or IV. The IM route maintains efficacy and has not been shown to be less immunogenic. When it is given IM, no more than 2 ml of the solution should go into one injection site.
L-Asparginase activity is expressed in International Units, following the recommendation of the International Union of Biochemistry. One International Unit of Asparaginase is the amount of enzyme needed to generate 1 µmol of ammonia per minute at pH 7.3 and 37°C. The specific activity of Asparginase is at least 225 International Units per milligram of protein.
L-Asparginase for Injection comes as a sterile, white lyophilized plug or powder. Each vial contains 10,000 International Units or 5,000 International Units of lyophilized L-Asparginase for Injection.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
L-Asparginase may be toxic, so handle and give it with care. Read the special handling procedures before you start, and follow them closely during reconstitution and administration. Avoid breathing in dust or aerosols, and keep it off the skin and mucous membranes, especially the eyes.
L-Asparginase is used as one part of selected multiple-agent induction regimens, and it can be given by the intravenous or the intramuscular route. When it is given intravenously, run it over not less than thirty minutes through the side arm of an already running infusion of sodium chloride injection or dextrose injection 5%. It has little tendency to cause phlebitis when given this way. Anaphylactic reactions need immediate treatment with epinephrine, oxygen and intravenous steroids.
For intramuscular use, limit the volume at a single injection site to 2ml. If more than 2ml is to be given, use two injection sites.
Unfavorable interactions between L-Asparginase and some antitumor agents have been shown. For this reason, only physicians who are familiar with the benefits and risks of a given regimen should use it in combination regimens. While L-Asparaginase is inhibiting protein synthesis and cell replication, it may interfere with the enzymatic detoxification of other drugs, particularly in the liver.
Geriatric use: clinical studies of L-Asparginase did not include enough people aged 65 and older to show whether they respond differently from younger people.
Side Effects
Side-effect information is not available for this brand yet.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
L-Asparginase for Injection comes in flint glass vials holding either 5,000 I.U or 10,000 I.U of L-Asparginase. The medicine is a sterile, lyophilized powder, and it has to be reconstituted before it is injected.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
L-Asparginase is Pregnancy Category C. In mice and rats, doses of more than 1000 International Units/kg slowed the weight gain of both the mothers and the fetuses. This dose is approximately equivalent to the recommended human dose when adjusted for total body surface area. Resorptions, gross abnormalities and skeletal abnormalities were also seen. In pregnant rabbits, 50 or 100 International Units/kg was given intravenously on days 8 and 9 of gestation (approximately equivalent to 10 to 20% of the recommended human dose, adjusted for total body surface area). This led to dose-dependent embryotoxicity and gross abnormalities.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. So L-Asparginase should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether L-Asparginase is excreted in human milk. Many drugs are excreted in human milk, and L-Asparginase could cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. For this reason, a decision should be made either to stop nursing or to stop the drug, taking into account how important the drug is to the mother.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep the vials in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, away from light, and don't let them freeze. L-Asparginase for Injection has no preservative in it. If you have reconstituted solution left unused, store it at 2-8°C and throw it away after eight hours, or sooner if it turns cloudy.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about L-spar 10000 IU
What is L-spar 10000 IU IM/IV Injection?
L-spar 10000 IU IM/IV Injection is a medicine that contains L-Asparginase. It is made by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC. It belongs to the Cytotoxic Chemotherapy group of medicines.
What is L-spar used for?
L-Asparginase injection is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is not given on its own but as one part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen.
Can I take L-spar during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
L-Asparginase is Pregnancy Category C. In mice and rats, doses of more than 1000 International Units/kg slowed the weight gain of both the mothers and the fetuses. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store L-spar?
Keep the vials in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, away from light, and don't let them freeze. L-Asparginase for Injection has no preservative in it.
Can I take other medicines with L-spar?
Some medicines can interact with L-Asparginase, for example: Prednisolone, Levothyroxine Sodium, Vincristine Sulphate, Methotrexate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for L-spar?
L-spar is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.