oncaspar
Oncaspar (Pegaspargase) is a medication used to treat Blast Crisis, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma.
Pegaspargase · by Sigma Tau
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Pegaspargase
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Pegaspargase 750IU/VIAL
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Sigma Tau
- FDA application
- BLA103411
What is Oncaspar?
From the FDA label:Pegaspargase is a conjugate of monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) and L-asparaginase (L-asparagine amidohydrolase), an asparagine specific enzyme. L-asparaginase is a tetrameric enzyme that is produced endogenously by E. coli and consists of identical 34.5 kDa subunits. Approximately 69 to 82 molecules of mPEG are linked to L-asparaginase; the molecular weight of each mPEG molecule is about 5 kDa. ONCASPAR activity is expressed in International Units. ONCASPAR (pegaspargase) injection is supplied as a clear, colorless, preservative-free, isotonic sterile solution in phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.3, for intramuscular use or for dilution prior to intravenous infusion. Each vial of ONCASPAR contains 3,750 International Units of pegaspargase in 5 mL of solution. Each milliliter contains 750 International Units of pegaspargase, dibasic sodium phosphate, USP (5.58 mg), monobasic sodium phosphate, USP (1.20 mg), and Sodium Chloride, USP (8.50 mg) in Water for Injection, USP.
How to use
Administered intramuscularly or intravenously no more frequently than every 14 days. ( 2.1 ) Patients ages 21 years and younger: 2,500 International Units/m 2 . ( 2.1 ) Patients ages over 21 years: 2,000 International Units/m 2 . ( 2.1 ) For intramuscular administration, limit the volume at a single injection site to 2 mL; if greater than 2 mL, use multiple injection sites. ( 2.3 ) For intravenous administration, give over a period of 1 to 2 hours in 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP through an infusion that is already running. ( 2.3 ) Do not administer ONCASPAR if drug has been frozen, stored at room temperature for more than 48 hours, or shaken or vigorously agitated. ( 16 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Patients 21 Years of Age or Younger The recommended dose of ONCASPAR for patients up to and including 21 years of age is 2,500 International Units/m 2 intramuscularly or intravenously no more frequently than every 14 days. Patients More Than 21 Years of Age The recommended dose of ONCASPAR for adult patients more than 21 years of age is 2,000 International Units/m 2 intramuscularly or intravenously no more frequently than every 14 days. 2.2 Recommended Premedication Premedicate patients with acetaminophen, an H-1 receptor blocker (such as diphenhydramine), and an H-2 receptor blocker (such as famotidine) 30-60 minutes prior to…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Anaphylaxis and serious hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Glucose intolerance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hepatotoxicity, including VOD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The most common (>5%) grade > 3 adverse reactions with ONCASPAR are hypoalbuminemia, elevated transaminase, febrile neutropenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, bilirubin increased, pancreatitis, abnormal clotting studies, embolic and thrombotic events, hypersensitivity, sepsis, and infections. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Servier Pharmaceuticals, at 1-800-807-6124 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions (>5%) included: hypoalbuminemia, elevated transaminase, febrile neutropenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, bilirubin increased, pancreatitis, abnormal clotting studies,…
Warnings
Important safety information
Anaphylaxis or serious hypersensitivity reactions : Observe patients for 1 hour after administration. Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with serious hypersensitivity reactions. ( 5.1 ) Thrombosis : Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with serious thrombotic events. ( 5.2 ) Pancreatitis : Evaluate patients with abdominal pain for pancreatitis. Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with pancreatitis. ( 5.3 ) Glucose intolerance : Monitor serum glucose. ( 5.4 ) Hemorrhage : Discontinue ONCASPAR for severe or life-threatening hemorrhage. Evaluate for etiology and treat. ( 5.5 ) Hepatotoxicity, including hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) : Monitor for toxicity through recovery from cycle. Discontinue ONCASPAR for severe liver toxicity. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Anaphylaxis and Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions Anaphylaxis and serious hypersensitivity reactions can occur in patients receiving ONCASPAR. The risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions is higher in patients with known hypersensitivity to ( E.) coli derived L-asparaginase formulations. Other hypersensitivity reactions can include angioedema, lip swelling, eye swelling, erythema, blood pressure decreased, bronchospasm, dyspnea, pruritus, and rash [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Premedicate patients 30-60 minutes prior to administration of ONCASPAR. [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Observe patients for 1 hour after administration of ONCASPAR in a setting with resuscitation equipment and other agents necessary to treat anaphylaxis (for example, epinephrine, oxygen, intravenous steroids, antihistamines) [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with serious hypersensitivity reactions. 5.2 Thrombosis Serious thrombotic events, including sagittal sinus thrombosis can occur in patients receiving ONCASPAR [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with serious thrombotic events [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.3 Pancreatitis Pancreatitis can occur in patients receiving ONCASPAR. Hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis with fatal outcomes have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, which, if left untreated, could be fatal. Assess serum amylase and/or lipase levels to confirm early signs of pancreatic inflammation. Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients where pancreatitis is suspected. If pancreatitis is confirmed, do not resume ONCASPAR [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.4 Glucose Intolerance Glucose intolerance can occur in patients receiving ONCASPAR [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . In some cases, glucose intolerance is irreversible. Monitor serum glucose [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.5 Hemorrhage Increased prothrombin time, increased partial thromboplastin time, and hypofibrinogenemia can occur in patients receiving ONCASPAR [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Evaluate patients with signs and symptoms of hemorrhage with coagulation parameters including PT, PTT, fibrinogen. Consider appropriate replacement therapy in patients with severe or symptomatic coagulopathy. Discontinue ONCASPAR for severe or life-threatening hemorrhage [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.6 Hepatotoxicity, Including Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease Hepatotoxicity, including severe, life-threatening, and potentially fatal cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), have been observed in patients treated with ONCASPAR in combination with standard chemotherapy, including during the induction phase of multiphase chemotherapy [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. Do not administer ONCASPAR to patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4) ] . Evaluate bilirubin and transaminases prior to each dose of ONCASPAR and at least weekly, during cycles of treatment that include ONCASPAR, through 6 weeks after the last dose of ONCASPAR. Monitor frequently for signs and symptoms of hepatic VOD, which may include rapid weight gain, fluid retention with ascites, hepatomegaly (which may be painful), and rapid increase of bilirubin. For patients who develop abnormal liver tests after ONCASPAR, more frequent monitoring for liver test abnormalities and clinical signs and symptoms of VOD is recommended. In the event of serious liver toxicity, including VOD, discontinue treatment with ONCASPAR and provide supportive care [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .
Who should not take Oncaspar
ONCASPAR is contraindicated in patients with a: History of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to ONCASPAR or to any of the excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . History of serious thrombosis with prior L-asparaginase therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . History of pancreatitis, including pancreatitis related to prior L-asparaginase therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . History of serious hemorrhagic events with prior L-asparaginase therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . History of serious hypersensitivity reactions to ONCASPAR. ( 4 ) History of serious thrombosis with prior L-asparaginase therapy. ( 4 ) History of pancreatitis with prior L-asparaginase therapy. ( 4 ) History of serious hemorrhagic events with prior L-asparaginase therapy. ( 4 ) Severe hepatic impairment. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Three patients received 10,000 International Units/m 2 of ONCASPAR as an intravenous infusion. One patient experienced a slight increase in liver enzymes. A second patient developed a rash 10 minutes after the start of the infusion, which was controlled with the administration of an antihistamine and by slowing down the infusion rate. A third patient did not experience any adverse reactions. There is no specific antidote for ONCASPAR overdosage. In case of overdose, monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions, and appropriately manage with symptomatic and supportive treatment.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
7.1 Glucocorticoids Pegaspargase may increase the risk of glucocorticoid-induced toxicities, including osteonecrosis through a potential increase in exposure of dexamethasone [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] .
Storing Oncaspar, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “Store ONCASPAR refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light.”
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Oncaspar treat?
- Oncaspar (Pegaspargase) may be used to treat blast crisis, non-hodgkin lymphoma, b-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, precursor cell lymphoblastic leukemia-lymphoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Oncaspar?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Oncaspar. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Oncaspar?
- Oncaspar is marketed by Sigma Tau. You can see Sigma Tau's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Oncaspar a brand-name or generic drug?
- Oncaspar is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Pegaspargase.
- Is Oncaspar available over the counter?
- No. Oncaspar is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Oncaspar come in?
- Oncaspar is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Oncaspar FDA-registered?
- Oncaspar is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA103411. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Oncaspar safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Oncaspar. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Oncaspar?
- Oncaspar's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Anaphylaxis and serious hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Glucose intoler… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
People also viewed
idarubicin hydrochloride
Idarubicin Hydrochloride
bendeka
Bendamustine Hydrochloride
campath
Alemtuzumab
elspar
Asparaginase
gleostine
Lomustine
lemtrada
Alemtuzumab
Compare Oncaspar head-to-head
Browse medications A–Z
Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.
oncaspar
New