Elitek IV

This medication is used to prevent high blood levels of uric acid from occurring in children with cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, solid malignant tumors) who are about to receive cancer chemotherapy treatment. When chemotherapy is given, cancer cells are destroyed, releasing large amounts of uric acid into the bloodstream. This medication allows uric acid to more easily be removed from the body by the kidneys.

How to use Elitek IV
This medication is given by injection into a vein, usually over 30 minutes, or as directed by your doctor. Rasburicase is given once a day for 5 days. Timing of cancer chemotherapy and rasburicase doses is important. Chemotherapy is usually started 4 to 24 hours after the first dose of rasburicase.
Fluids are also given into the vein with this medication to help decrease your uric acid levels.

Also see the Warnings section.
Vomiting, nausea, headache, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, mouth sores/ulcers or rash may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat, fever, chills.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, trouble breathing, severe dizziness, weakness, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, blue or gray skin color.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Also see the Warnings section.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult the doctor or pharmacist if you have: previous severe allergic reaction to this medication, certain metabolic conditions (e.g., G6PD deficiency), previous red blood cell damage (e.g., hemolysis, methemoglobinemia) with this medication.
Before using this medication, tell the doctor the medical history, especially of: kidney disease, dehydration.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children less than 2 years old because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Tell the doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: allopurinol.
This medication can interfere with the uric acid in the blood sample tubes when the tubes remain at room temperature, therefore leading to falsely low uric acid results. Laboratory personnel must follow special procedures to process the blood sample.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES:
Laboratory tests (e.g., uric acid levels) should be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE:
It is important to receive each dose as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new schedule.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised June 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.