asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, Erwinase, Erwinaze

 Indications

Part of combination chemotherapy in the treatment of

acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in patients who developed

hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase.

Action

Catalyst in the conversion of asparagine (an amino

acid) to aspartic acid and ammonia. Depletes asparagine

in leukemic cells. Therapeutic Effects: Death

of leukemic cells.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Bioavailability after IM administration

unknown; IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Remains in the intravascular space.

Poor penetration into the CSF.

Metabolism and Excretion: Slowly sequestered

in the reticuloendothelial system.

Half-life: IV: 8–30 hr; IM: 39–49 hr.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE

ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION

IM unknown unknown unknown

IV unknown unknown unknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Previous hypersensitivity; History

of pancreatitis with prior L-asparaginase; History of

serious thrombosis or hemorrhagic events with prior Lasparaginase;

Lactation: Lactation.

Use Cautiously in: OB: Use only if the potential

benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

GI: PANCREATITIS,qliver function tests, nausea, vomiting.

Endo: hyperglycemia. Hemat: hemorrhage,

thromboembolic events. Misc: hypersensitivity reactions

including ANAPHYLAXIS, fever.

Interactions

Drug-Drug: None known.

Route/Dosage

IM, IV (Adults and Children): Substitution for

E.coli-derived asparaginase—25,000 International

Units/m2 substituted for each dose of E.coli-derived asparaginase;

Substitution for pegasparagase—25,000

International Units/m2 3 times a wk (Mon/Wed/Fri) for

6 doses substituted for each dose of pegasparagase.

Availability A

Powder for injection: 10,000 International Units/vial.