Class Name(s):

• 10:00 Antineoplastic Agents

Pronunciation:

• (as par' a jin ase) (er win' ee a) (kri san' the mee)

Brand Name(s):

• Erwinaze^®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi is used with other chemotherapy medications to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells). It is used in patients who have had some types of allergic reactions to medications similar to asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi such as (asparaginase [Elspar] or pegaspargase [Oncaspar]). Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi is an enzyme that interferes with natural substances necessary for cancer cell growth. It works by killing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi comes as a powder to be added to fluid and injected into a muscle by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given three times a week. Your doctor will tell you how often you will receive asparginase erwinia chrysanthemi. The schedule depends on the condition you have and on how your body responds to the medication.

Are there OTHER USES for this medication?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi powder. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), blood clots, or severe bleeding, especially if these happened during treatment with asparaginase (Elspar) or pegaspargase (Oncaspar). Your doctor probably will not want you to receive asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi, call your doctor right away.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting
• fever

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• ongoing pain that begins in the stomach area, but may spread to the back
• extreme thirst
• frequent urination
• extreme hunger
• weakness
• blurred vision
• headache
• arm or leg swelling
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• unusual bleeding
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• dark colored urine
• loss of appetite
• lack of energy
• seizure

Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: October 20, 2024.