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Asparaginase ( 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 Asparaginase 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)
Your doctor has ordered the drug Asparaginase to help treat your illness. The drug is given by injection into a large muscle or a vein. Asparaginase is used in combination with other chemotherapy to treat: acute lymphocytic leukemia Asparaginase is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Asparaginase resembles normal cell nutrients needed by cancer cells to grow. The cancer cells take up Asparaginase, 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. Brand names: - Asparaginase - Elspar - Kidrolase |