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rasburicase

Generic Name: rasburicase (rass BURR ih case)
Brand Names: Elitek

What is rasburicase?

Rasburicase increases the rate at which uric acid is broken down in the body.

Rasburicase is used to treat increased levels of uric acid caused by the breakdown of tumors during treatment for some types of cancer.

Rasburicase may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about rasburicase?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rasburicase?

How should I take rasburicase?

Rasburicase should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with rasburicase depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital for the first dose or doses of rasburicase to monitor for any reaction.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with rasburicase to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store rasburicase as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing rasburicase at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of rasburicase.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a rasburicase overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while taking rasburicase?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with rasburicase unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Rasburicase side effects

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take rasburicase and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• diarrhea;

• abdominal pain;

• nausea or vomiting;

• fever;

• rash;

• sores inside the mouth;

• headache, or

• constipation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any reaction that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect rasburicase?

Before taking rasburicase, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any other medications.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about rasburicase written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Rasburicase is available with a prescription generically and under the brand name Elitek. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Elitek 1.5 mg--white to off-white powder for injection in a vial with an ampule of diluent for reconstitution

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.