ASPARAGINASE PFI 10,000IU
ASPARAGINASE
What it does
Asparaginase is a medicine used primarily in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Commonly used for: leukemia, lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:31:21 · updated 2026-08-03 02:17:57
Drug Interactions
4Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Asparaginase appears in TABLE 1: Drugs that cause hepatotoxicity
Asparaginase appears in TABLE 15: Drugs that cause myelosuppression
Unknown (4)
Imatinib - increases risk of hepatotoxicity
Asparaginase is predicted to increase the risk of hepatotoxicity when given with imatinib. Also see TABLE 15 p. 1520
Methotrexate - affects efficacy
Asparaginase affects the efficacy of methotrexate. Also see TABLE 1 p. 1517. Also see TABLE 15 p. 1520.
Vincaalkaloids - increases risk of neurotoxicity
Asparaginase potentially increases the risk of neurotoxicity when given with vinca alkaloids (vincristine). Vincristine should be taken 3 to 24 hours before asparaginase. Also see TABLE 1 p. 1517 → Al
Vincristine - increases risk of neurotoxicity
Asparaginase potentially increases the risk of neurotoxicity when given with vinca alkaloids (vincristine). Vincristine should be taken 3 to 24 hours before asparaginase. Also see TABLE 1 p. 1517 → Al
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Asparaginase is a medicine used primarily in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
What it treats
- leukemia
- lymphoma
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
How it works
It works by breaking down asparagine, an amino acid that some cancer cells need to grow, thereby slowing down their growth and multiplication.
Who it's for
It is used for patients with specific blood cancers, especially children and young adults.
Cautions
- • Be careful if you are taking other medicines that can damage the liver.
- • Avoid drugs that can lower blood cell production.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Asparaginase
BNF-referencedAsparaginase is an enzyme used as an antineoplastic agent that disrupts protein synthesis in tumor cells by breaking down L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia.
Indications
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Lymphomas
- Paediatric solid tumours
Dosage
Children: Child 1–11 months: 5000 units/m2 every 3 days; consult local protocols for other age groups.
Adults: Consult local protocols for specific dosing regimens.
Mechanism of action
Asparaginase acts by hydrolyzing L-asparagine, leading to a depletion of this amino acid which is necessary for the growth and proliferation of certain tumor cells, particularly in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Pharmacodynamics
By reducing the availability of L-asparagine, asparaginase inhibits protein synthesis and induces apoptosis in sensitive tumor cells, thus exerting its antitumor effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Asparaginase is administered intravenously, with its pharmacokinetics influenced by factors such as hepatic function. The enzyme's activity may vary depending on the patient’s immune response and the presence of antibodies against the drug.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to asparaginase
- Intrathecal injection
Adverse effects
- Hepatotoxicity
- Neurotoxicity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pancreatitis
- Allergic reactions
- Thrombosis
- Metabolic disturbances
Interactions
- Imatinib (increases risk of hepatotoxicity)
- Methotrexate (affects efficacy)
- Vinca alkaloids (increases risk of neurotoxicity)
- Vincristine (increases risk of neurotoxicity)
Precautions
- Caution in hepatic impairment
- Caution in patients with neuromuscular disease
- Monitor for signs of neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity
Pregnancy
Avoid (limited experience suggests fetal cranial neuropathy, ileus, burning sensation, arthralgia, harm; teratogenic in animal studies).
Breast-feeding
Discontinue breast-feeding.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Protect from light.
Formulations
- Solution for injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.