Rasburicase (Injection)

Rasburicase (ras-BYOOR-i-kayse)

Treats high levels of uric acid, which can be a side effect of some cancer treatments.

Brand Name(s):

Elitek
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had any serious reaction to rasburicase, or if you have glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficency.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• You will receive this medicine in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe the exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• The medicine is usually given for about 30 minutes every day for 5 days.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you are of African or Mediterranean descent, because people with this ancestry are more likely to have G6PD deficiency.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness or pain in chest, trouble breathing
• Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or skin
• Chills, fever, back and stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Skin rash
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Mouth sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.