Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is a cancer medicine.

Erwinase is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults and children at least 4 months old who have become allergic to other forms of asparaginase such as Elspar, Oncaspar or Rylaze.

Rylaze is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma in adults and children at least 1 month old who have become allergic to other forms of asparaginase such as Elspar, Oncaspar or Erwinase.

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you have received any form of asparaginase in the past and it caused you to have:

• a serious allergic reaction;
• serious pancreas problems;
• a life-threatening blood clot; or
• serious bleeding problems.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• problems with your liver or pancreas;
• bleeding problems;
• a blood clot; or
• diabetes.

May harm an unborn baby. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 3 months after your last dose of Erwinase or 1 week after your last dose of Rylaze.

Use Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi (Erwinaze) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• any bleeding that will not stop;
• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
• signs of liver or pancreas problems--severe stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, chest pain, feeling short of breath, pain or swelling in an arm or leg;
• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough; or
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• liver or pancreas problems;
• bleeding or blood clots;
• high blood sugar;
• stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• fever, headache, tiredness, mouth sores;
• bone pain, muscle or joint pain;
• allergic reaction, skin rash; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

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.

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