We know that undergoing cancer treatment can be a bit scary and overwhelming. But the most important thing at a time like this is to be clearly informed about the treatment and medication you are being given. Then you can face the situation without unnecessary fear. Today, we will talk about a special medicine used in cancer treatment that you or your loved one can give. Its name is Calaspargase pegol.
What is this Calaspargase pegol?
Simply put, this is a chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells. It is specifically used to treat a type of blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The brand name for this may be ASPARLAS.
But remember, sometimes your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well. So if you have any questions about this medicine, ask your doctor directly.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this treatment, it is essential to be very open about your health history with your care team. You should especially tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your health condition | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Bleeding disorders | Because this medicine can affect blood clotting. |
| Diabetes or blood sugar problems | This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. |
| If you have had blood clots before | The medication may increase the risk of blood clots. |
| If you have pancreatitis | This medicine also carries a risk of pancreatitis. |
| Liver disease | The medicine can affect liver function. |
| Allergies | Please inform us if you are allergic to this medicine, other L-asparaginase-type medicines, other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | (Very important) This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby. |
| If the baby is breastfed | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This is not a pill that you take home and take. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical professional. It is given through a vein (infusion), just like a saline solution.
What if you give it to small children?
Even a child as young as one month old can be given this medicine in some special cases. However, the decision about it and the precautions related to it will be taken by your child's pediatrician. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to the doctor carefully about it.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you have overdosed in any way, inform the staff immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Also, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take your medication on time and on the scheduled days for this treatment. So, do not miss your appointments. If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, call your doctor or hospital immediately and inform them.
Things to be aware of and side effects
While you are taking the medication, your medical team will monitor you closely. You will need to have regular blood tests (blood work) to check for changes in your body.
Things to pay particular attention to
- Blood sugar levels: This medication may increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or medications.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to the infusion. To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you pre-medication before giving you this medicine. Follow the instructions carefully.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important.
- Calaspargase pegol is a powerful anti-cancer drug that is given intravenously by a medical professional in a hospital.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your health information, especially liver disease, diabetes, history of blood clots, and allergies.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking the pill and for 3 months after stopping. Be sure to use a non-hormonal form of birth control.
- If you experience any symptoms such as severe allergic reactions, bleeding symptoms, signs of a blood clot (chest pain, leg swelling), or severe stomach pain, notify the medical staff immediately .
- Don't miss your appointments. If you can't make it, call ahead and let us know. You're not fighting this battle alone, your medical team is always with you.
Do not get pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping the medicine. You must use birth control during this time. However, hormonal birth control pills can interact with this medicine, so ask your doctor about non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms). It can be seriously harmful to the unborn baby. If you suspect that you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Also, do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping it.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are minor, but some require immediate attention. Learn more about them in the table below.
| Side Effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor or nurse immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Tell us immediately. |
| Severe headache | Unbearable, sudden headache. |
| Severe stomach pain | This could be a sign of pancreatitis. Tell me right away. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black or tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Chest pain; difficulty breathing; pain, swelling, or warmth in a leg. Tell me right away. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar | Feeling more thirsty and hungry than usual; needing to urinate frequently; extreme fatigue; blurred vision. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine; feeling lethargic, feverish; pale stools; loss of appetite; nausea; pain in the upper right side of the abdomen; yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice). |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Diarrhea | If your stomach bloating persists or is severe, tell your doctor . |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual or different, don't be afraid to tell your doctor about it.
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