rasburicase

Generic Name: rasburicase (ras BUR ih kase)

Brand names: Elitek, Fasturtec, Fasturtec(obs)

What is rasburicase?

Rasburicase helps keep uric acid levels in the body from getting too high. Uric acid levels can increase during cancer treatments when tumor cells break down.

Rasburicase is used to manage uric acid levels in adults and children receiving cancer treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, and certain tumors.

Rasburicase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about rasburicase?

You should not receive rasburicase if you are allergic to it, or if you have an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

If you are of African or Mediterranean descent, you may need a rasburicase dose adjustment or special tests.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as a change in your mental state, dizziness or tired feeling, blue colored lips, feeling light-headed or short of breath, irregular heart rate, seizure, mouth sores, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion, or weakness.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving rasburicase?

You should not receive this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction or blood cell problems after receiving rasburicase, or if you have an enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

If you are of African or Mediterranean descent, you may need a rasburicase dose adjustment or special tests:

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rasburicase will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.. It is not known whether rasburicase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is rasburicase given?

Rasburicase is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Rasburicase must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 30 minutes to complete.

Rasburicase is usually given once per day for up to 5 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your rasburicase injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving rasburicase?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Rasburicase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest pain or tightness, difficult breathing; fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  change in your mental state;

  
  


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  headache, tired feeling, dizziness;

  
  


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  blue colored lips;

  
  


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  feeling short of breath;

  
  


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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

  
  


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  seizure (convulsions);

  
  


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  white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or

  
  


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  pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

  
  


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  diarrhea, constipation;

  
  


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  anxiety;

  
  


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  fever, sore throat;

  
  


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  mild rash; or

  
  


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  swelling in your hands or feet.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Rasburicase Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperuricemia Secondary to Chemotherapy:

Recommended dose: 0.2 mg/kg as a 30 minute intravenous infusion daily for up to 5 days

Dosing beyond 5 days or administration of more than one course is not recommended.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Hyperuricemia Secondary to Chemotherapy:

Recommended dose: 0.2 mg/kg as a 30 minute intravenous infusion daily for up to 5 days

Dosing beyond 5 days or administration of more than one course is not recommended.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hyperuricemia Secondary to Chemotherapy:

Recommended dose: 0.2 mg/kg as a 30 minute intravenous infusion daily for up to 5 days

Dosing beyond 5 days or administration of more than one course is not recommended.

What other drugs will affect rasburicase?

There may be other drugs that can interact with rasburicase. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More rasburicase resources

• Rasburicase Side Effects (in more detail)
• Rasburicase Dosage
• Rasburicase Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Rasburicase Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Rasburicase - Add your own review/rating

• rasburicase Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Rasburicase Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Rasburicase Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Rasburicase MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Elitek Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare rasburicase with other medications

• Hyperuricemia Secondary to Chemotherapy

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about rasburicase.

See also: rasburicase side effects (in more detail)