L-Asparaginase Injection is an anticancer (antineoplastic) medication used mainly in the treatment of certain blood cancers. It is an enzyme-based drug derived from Escherichia coli or Erwinia chrysanthemi that works differently from most chemotherapy agents.

Here are the main details:

1. Composition and Form:

• Contains the enzyme L-asparaginase.

• Supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder or solution in vials.

• Administered by intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection.

2. Mechanism of Action:

• L-asparaginase breaks down the amino acid asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia.

• Normal cells can synthesize asparagine, but certain cancer cells (especially leukemia cells) cannot.

• By depleting asparagine in the blood, L-asparaginase starves cancer cells and inhibits their growth.

3. Indications:

• Primarily used in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

• Also employed in some lymphomas, as part of combination chemotherapy protocols.

4. Administration:

• Given under strict medical supervision, usually in hospitals or oncology centers.

• Dosage depends on body surface area, treatment protocol, and patient’s clinical status.

• Often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs (e.g., vincristine, daunorubicin, prednisone).

5. Side Effects:

• Hypersensitivity reactions: rash, fever, anaphylaxis (can be severe).

• Pancreatitis: abdominal pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes.

• Liver toxicity: elevated liver enzymes, jaundice.

• Coagulation abnormalities: risk of bleeding or thrombosis due to reduced protein synthesis in the liver.

• Metabolic effects: hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia.

• Nausea, vomiting, fatigue.

6. Contraindications:

• History of severe hypersensitivity to L-asparaginase or its derivatives.

• Pre-existing pancreatitis or history of pancreatitis.

• Severe hepatic impairment in some cases.

7. Precautions:

• Close monitoring of liver function, pancreas, blood clotting factors, and blood glucose.

• Pre-treatment with antihistamines or corticosteroids may reduce hypersensitivity reactions.

• Switch to an alternative preparation (e.g., Erwinia-derived) if allergic to E. coli formulation.

• Requires monitoring during infusion for allergic or anaphylactic responses.

8. Storage:

• Lyophilized powder: store refrigerated and protected from light.

• Reconstituted solution: should be used within the recommended time frame as per product guidelines.