Rasburicase Injection

Category: Enzyme therapy / Uric acid-lowering agent
Form: Injectable solution for intravenous (IV) use

Uses:

• Prevention and treatment of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a condition that can occur during chemotherapy in patients with hematologic malignancies such as leukemia or lymphoma.

• Helps rapidly reduce high uric acid levels to prevent kidney damage.

Mechanism of Action:

• Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme.

• Converts uric acid into allantoin, a more soluble compound that can be easily excreted in urine.

• Rapidly reduces uric acid levels in the blood, preventing crystal formation in the kidneys and reducing the risk of acute renal failure.

Administration:

• Administered intravenously as a slow infusion.

• Dosage is based on body weight and severity of uric acid elevation.

• Usually given once daily for a few days during high-risk chemotherapy.

Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, fever, rare anaphylaxis.

• Hematologic: hemolysis, especially in patients with G6PD deficiency.

• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

• Other: headache, fever, fatigue.

Precautions:

• Screen for G6PD deficiency before administration to prevent hemolytic anemia.

• Monitor uric acid, kidney function, and electrolytes during therapy.

• Use cautiously in patients with a history of allergic reactions to proteins.

Summary:
Rasburicase Injection is an enzyme therapy used to rapidly lower uric acid in patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome, particularly during chemotherapy for hematologic cancers. It works by converting uric acid into the more soluble allantoin, preventing kidney damage. Administered intravenously, it requires monitoring for allergic reactions, hemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients, and kidney function.