Erwinaze (Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi) for Leukemia

Overview
Erwinaze is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in individuals who are hypersensitive to asparaginase derived from E. coli. Erwinaze is used as a part of a chemotherapy regimen.

Erwinaze may also be referred to by its drug name, asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi.

Erwinaze is an enzyme, a molecule that accelerates a chemical reaction. Leukemia cells require an amino acid called asparagine to stay alive. Erwinaze breaks down asparagine into two other substances. Erwinaze is believed to work by reducing the amount of asparagine available to leukemia cells, leading to their death.

How do I take it?
Erwinaze is administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Erwinaze lists common side effects including fever, injection site reaction, allergic reaction, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, and blood clots.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Erwinaze include severe hypersensitivity reactions, serious blood clots, abnormal bleeding, hemorrhaging, liver abnormalities, and permanent hyperglycemia, which can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Erwinaze — Drugs.com
www.drugs.com/erwinaze.html

ALL: Chemotherapy — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
www.lls.org/leukemia/acute-lymphoblastic-leukem...