Asparaginase (Systemic)
Brand Names : Elspar, Kidrolase, colaspase
CategoryDescriptionAsparaginase (a-SPARE-a-gi-nase) belongs to the group of medicines known
as enzymes. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer of the blood. It may
also be used to treat other kinds of cancer, as determined by your doctor.
All cells need a chemical called asparagine to stay alive. Normal cells
can make this chemical for themselves, while cancer cells cannot. Asparaginase
breaks down asparagine in the body. Since the cancer cells cannot make more
asparagine, they die.
Before you begin treatment with asparaginase, you and your doctor should
talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Asparaginase is to be administered only by or under the supervision of
your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
Another commonly used name is colaspase
.
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