Rasburicase (By injection)

Rasburicase (ras-BURE-i-kase)

Treats high levels of uric acid caused by cancer treatments.

Brand Name(s):

Elitek

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to rasburicase, or if you have G6PD deficiency or a history of serious blood problems (such as hemolysis or methemoglobinemia) after using rasburicase.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

You will receive this medicine in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other health professional will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be injected slowly, so the needle will need to stay in place for up to 30 minutes.
Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

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:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are of African or Mediterranean descent. People with this ancestry are more likely to have G6PD deficiency.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Serious allergic reactions
- Serious blood problems, including hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia

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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Chest pain or trouble breathing
Chills, fever, back or stomach pain, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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

Anxiety
Mouth sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
Nausea or vomiting
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017