Precautions

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress closely and at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Receiving this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Birth control pills may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when used with this medicine. Use another form of birth control (eg, condoms, spermicide) along with your pills during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis or angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing serious blood clots. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any sudden and severe headache, arm or leg swelling, trouble breathing, or chest pain.

This medicine may cause pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas). Check with your doctor right away if you have sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills during treatment with this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you start having increased thirst or hunger, increased urination, pale skin, nausea, sweating, or faintness. This may be signs that you are having problems with the amount of blood sugar in your body.

Check with your doctor right away if you have bloated stomach, pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem (eg, hepatic veno-occlusive disease).

Pegaspargase can lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk bleeding:

  • Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
  • Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.
  • Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
  • Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury can occur.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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