Elspar
Elspar resembles normal cell nutrients needed by cancer cells to grow. The cancer cells
take up Elspar, which then interferes with their growth. The length of treatment depends
on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of
cancer you have
Elspar is used to treat
- acute lymphocytic leukemia
- chronic myelogeous (myelocytic, myeloid) leukemia
- acute myeloblastic leukemia
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Possible side effects of Elspar
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If sickness does
occur it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for a few days. If
the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other
anti-sickness drugs, which may be more effective.
Loss of appetite. A dietitian or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice.
Changes in blood clotting. The liver produces particular proteins
which affect blood clotting. Crisantaspase causes either more or fewer blood clotting
factors to be produced. If fewer blood clotting factors are produced there may be a slight
chance of more bleeding or bruising than usual, although this is not common. Tell your
doctor about any bleeding or bruising. If too many clotting factors are produced there may
be a risk of blood clots (thrombosis). Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have
any pain, heat, redness or swelling in a limb as these could be a sign of a blood clot.
Also let them know about any headache, nose bleeds, dizziness or feelings of confusion.
Your liver may be temporarily affected. Crisantaspase may cause
changes in the way that your liver works, which return to normal when the treatment is
finished. This is very unlikely to cause you any harm, but your doctor will monitor this
carefully. Samples of your blood will be taken from time to time to monitor your liver
function.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Elspar
Temporary reduction in bone marrow function. This can result in
anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding, and infection. This effect can begin about seven
days after the treatment has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days
after the chemotherapy. The number of cells in your blood cells will then increase
steadily and will usually return to normal within 21-28 days.
The extent to which your blood count is reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy you
receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor
can advise you how likely it is that the number of your blood cells will be lowered by the
chemotherapy. Your blood count will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow
is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Increase in blood sugar. Crisantaspase may cause a temporary increase
in the level of sugar in your blood. This is caused by its effect on the production of
insulin by the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the levels of sugar in the
blood. Your blood sugar levels will be checked by regular blood tests, and you may be
taught how to test your own levels at home. Some signs of a raised blood sugar level are:
tiredness, feeling thirsty, needing to pass urine more often and an increased appetite. If
you have any of these signs let your doctor or nurse know.
Very rarely, inflammation of the pancreas occurs. This would cause a
sharp pain in the upper part of your abdomen. Tell your doctor about any pain so that
appropriate medicine can be prescribed.
Fever and chills may occur from the time that the drug is given, but
they do not usually last long. Your doctor may prescribe medicines such as paracetamol to
reduce this side effect.
Allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes
and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness,
headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a need to pass urine. You will be monitored for any
signs of an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have
any of these symptoms as medicines can be given to counteract the allergic reaction.
A feeling of having no energy (lethargy), sleepiness and confusion.
These are very rare. If you notice any of these effects it is important to tell your
doctor. |