Pegaspargase Disease Interactions

The use of pegaspargase is contraindicated in patients who developed significant bleeding with previous L-asparaginase therapy. Pegaspargase interferes with coagulation factors, and both thrombosis and hemorrhage have been observed. Therapy with pegaspargase should be administered with extreme caution to patients with or predisposed to coagulopathies. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs or symptoms of thrombosis or bleeding. Close clinical monitoring of hematopoetic function and coagulation profiles is recommended.

The use of pegaspargase is contraindicated in patients with or a history of pancreatitis. Pegaspargase can cause decreased insulin synthesis or inflammation and/or necrosis of cells of the pancreas. Fulminant and fatal pancreatitis has occurred. Clinical monitoring of pancreatic function, including serum amylase levels, is recommended.

Reversible liver abnormalities such as elevated liver transaminase and bilirubin levels and decreased albumin synthesis have been reported during pegaspargase therapy. Fatty changes and liver failure have occurred. Patients should be instructed to immediately report any sign or symptoms of hepatic dysfunction such as jaundice, dark urine, right upper quadrant pain, or anorexia. Therapy with pegaspargase should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to compromised hepatic function. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended.

Hyperglycemia requiring insulin therapy has been reported during pegaspargase therapy. Therapy with pegaspargase should be administered cautiously to patients with diabetes mellitus.