This medication is used to prevent high blood levels of uric acid from occurring in children with cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, solid malignant tumors) who are about to receive cancer chemotherapy treatment. When chemotherapy is given, cancer cells are destroyed, releasing large amounts of uric acid into the bloodstream. This medication allows uric acid to more easily be removed from the body by the kidneys.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Rasburicase
Uses
This medication is used to prevent high blood levels of uric acid from occurring in children with cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, solid malignant tumors) who are about to receive cancer chemotherapy treatment. When chemotherapy is given, cancer cells are destroyed, releasing large amounts of uric acid into the bloodstream. This medication allows uric acid to more easily be removed from the body by the kidneys. Notes
- Laboratory tests (e.g., uric acid levels) should be performed to monitor your progress.
Storage
- Store the medication in the refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C).
- Do not freeze.
- Protect from light.Once mixed, the medication may be stored for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Discard the medication if it is not given within 24 hours after mixing.
How
To Use - Inject this medication directly into a vein (IV) slowly over 30 minutes, or as directed by your doctor.
- Do not give as a rapid (bolus) infusion.
- This medication should be started in a hospital/clinic.
- Rasburicase is given once a day for 5 days.
- Correct timing of cancer chemotherapy and rasburicase doses is important.
- Start chemotherapy 4 to 24 hours after the first dose of rasburicase.Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids.
- When mixing the drug, swirl gently.
- Do not shake the vial.
- Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.
- Do not use a filter when injecting this medication.
- This drug should be given through a separate IV line from other medications if possible.
- If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult the pharmacist.Intravenous (IV) fluids should be given with this medication to also help decrease your uric acid levels.
Side
Effects - Also see the Warnings section.Vomiting, nausea, headache, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, mouth sores/ulcers or rash may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat, fever, chills.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, trouble breathing, severe dizziness, weakness, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, blue or gray skin color.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Also see the Warnings section.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult the doctor or pharmacist if you have: previous severe allergic reaction to this medication, certain metabolic conditions (e.g., G6PD deficiency), previous red blood cell damage (e.g., hemolysis, methemoglobinemia) with this medication.Before using this medication, tell the doctor the medical history, especially of: kidney disease, dehydration, any allergies.Caution is advised when using this drug in children less than 2 years old because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
Missed
Dose - It is important that each dose be used as scheduled.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately.
- He/she will establish a new dose schedule.
- Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Tell the doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: allopurinol.This medication can interfere with the uric acid in the blood sample tubes when the tubes remain at room temperature, therefore leading to falsely low uric acid results.
- Laboratory personnel must follow special procedures to process the blood sample.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |