Elitek

What is ELITEK?

(ELITEK) This medication is used to prevent high blood levels of uric acid from occurring in children with cancer (such as 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 should I use ELITEK?

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually over 30 minutes. 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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take ELITEK?

See also Warning 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. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain metabolic conditions (such as G6PD deficiency), previous red blood cell damage (such as hemolysis, methemoglobinemia) with this medication, kidney disease, dehydration. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children less than 2 years old may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

What may interact with ELITEK?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This medication can interfere with the uric acid in the blood sample tubes when the tubes remain at room temperature, leading to falsely low uric acid results. Lab personnel must follow special procedures to process the blood sample.

What should I watch for while using ELITEK?

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. If you develop new symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, severe dizziness, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), or rash/hives, stop using this medication and get medical help right away. Do not restart this medication if this severe allergic reaction has occurred. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not take this medication if you have a metabolic condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency because it can severely damage your red blood cells leading to anemia (hemolysis). If you are of African or Mediterranean descent, you may be at higher risk for G6PD deficiency and you should be tested to see if you have this condition before starting this medication. This medication can cause a condition that affects the ability of your red blood cells to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia). Do not restart this medication if this effect occurs; consult the doctor for details. This medication can interfere with uric acid blood levels, resulting in falsely low levels (see Drug Interactions section). Be sure to tell all lab personnel that you are using this drug.

What if I miss a dose of ELITEK?

It is important to get each dose as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new schedule.

What side effects may I notice from receiving ELITEK?

See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or mouth sores/ulcers may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: weakness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, blue/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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep ELITEK?

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.