Table of contents:
- Use
- What is the drug Rasburicase for?
- What are the rules for using Rasburicase?
- How to store Rasburicase?
- Dose
- What is the Rasburicase dosage for adults?
- What is the dosage of Rasburicase for children?
- In what dosage and preparation is Rasburicase available?
- Side effects
- What are the possible side effects of Rasburicase?
- Precautions & Warnings
- What should be known before using Rasburicase?
- Is Rasburicase safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
- Interaction
- What medicines might interact with Rasburicase?
- Can food or alcohol interact with Rasburicase?
- What health conditions can interact with Rasburicase?
- Overdose
- What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
Use
What is the drug Rasburicase for?
Rasburicase is a drug to prevent high uric acid levels in the blood in children with cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, malignant tumors) who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. When chemotherapy is done, the cancer cells are destroyed, resulting in large amounts of uric acid in the bloodstream. This medication helps make it easier for uric acid to be excreted from the body via the kidneys.
What are the rules for using Rasburicase?
This medication is given by injection in a vein, usually within 30 minutes, or as directed by your doctor.
Rasburicase is given once a day for 5 days. The timing of chemotherapy and the dose of rasburicase are important. Chemotherapy is usually started 4-24 hours after the first dose of rasburicase.
Fluids are also given to the veins with this medicine to help lower uric acid levels.
How to store Rasburicase?
This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.
Dose
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
What is the Rasburicase dosage for adults?
The usual adult dosage for hyperuricemia secondary to chemotherapy
Recommended dosage: 0.2 mg / kg as an infusion for 30 minutes daily for up to 5 days
Giving doses of more than 5 days or giving more than 1 cycle is not recommended.
The usual dose of the elderly for hyperuricemia secondary to chemotherapy
Recommended dosage: 0.2 mg / kg as an infusion for 30 minutes daily for up to 5 days
Giving doses of more than 5 days or giving more than 1 cycle is not recommended.
What is the dosage of Rasburicase for children?
Usual child dosage for hyperuricemia secondary to chemotherapy
Recommended dosage: 0.2 mg / kg as an infusion for 30 minutes daily for up to 5 days
Giving doses of more than 5 days or giving more than 1 cycle is not recommended.
In what dosage and preparation is Rasburicase available?
Rasburicase is available in the following dosages:
Fluids, infusion: 1.5 mg (1 ea); 7.5 mg (1 ea)
Side effects
What are the possible side effects of Rasburicase?
Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Notify the nurse immediately if you experience serious side effects such as:
- Changes in mental state
- Headache, tiredness, dizziness
- Lips are blue
- Hard to breathe
- Feel like passing out
- Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- White sores on the inside of the mouth or on the lips
- Pale or yellowing skin, cloudy urine, fever, dizziness or weakness.
Less serious side effects can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Diarrhea, constipation
- Anxiety
- Fever, sore throat
- Mild rash
- Swelling of the hands or feet.
Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions & Warnings
What should be known before using Rasburicase?
Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:
Allergy
Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.
Children
Studies that have been conducted to date have not demonstrated child-specific problems that limit the benefits of rasburicase injections in children.
Elderly
Research that has been conducted to date has not demonstrated a specific problem in the elderly that limits the benefits of rasburicase injections in children.
Is Rasburicase safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:
- A = No risk,
- B = not at risk in several studies,
- C = May be risky,
- D = There is positive evidence of risk,
- X = Contraindicated,
- N = Unknown
Interaction
What medicines might interact with Rasburicase?
Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
Can food or alcohol interact with Rasburicase?
Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.
What health conditions can interact with Rasburicase?
Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:
- Problems or history of problems with the blood (hemolysis, methemoglobinemia)
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (an inherited metabolic disorder that attacks red blood cells) - should not be given to patients with these conditions
Overdose
What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you forget a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
