rasburicase
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Fasturtec.
It does not contain all the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor or pharmacist has weighed the risks of you using Fasturtec against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Fasturtec is used for
Fasturtec contains rasburicase rys, which is a recombinant urate-oxidase enzyme. Fasturtec is used to prevent or to decrease the high levels of uric acid in your blood that can occur as a result of chemotherapy for cancers of the blood, such as leukemia or lymphoma. Normal amounts of uric acid in the blood are removed by the kidneys. If there are high levels of uric acid in the blood, your kidneys may not be able to remove the excess, and may be damaged. Fasturtec converts uric acid into a substance called allantoin, which is easier for your kidneys to remove.
Your doctor may have prescribed Fasturtec for another reason.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.
Fasturtec is not addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you are given Fasturtec
When you must not be given it
You should not be given Fasturtec if you have any of the following conditions;
G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency
Any condition that causes haemolytic anaemia
Do not use Fasturtec if you have an allergy to it, other uricases or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Fasturtec may include skin rash, itchiness, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
Do not use Fasturtec if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Fasturtec is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved.
Do not use Fasturtec if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
It is not known whether Fasturtec passes into breast milk.
Do not use Fasturtec after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
If you use this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work (as well).
Do not use Fasturtec if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If you are not sure whether you should start using Fasturtec, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Before you are given it
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to:
any other medicines
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Your doctor or pharmacist will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Fasturtec during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
Your doctor or pharmacist will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Fasturtec during breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
a previous history of allergy, asthma, or allergic reactions.
If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you start using Fasturtec.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Fasturtec may interfere with each other.
Your doctor or pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using Fasturtec.
How Fasturtec is given
How much is given
The dose of Fasturtec is calculated according to your body weight. The usual dose is 0.2 mg for each kilogram you weigh. Your doctor may change the dose in some circumstances. Fasturtec is normally given once a day, and may be given for a number of days.
How it is given
Fasturtec is given to you as an infusion into one of your veins (this is called an intravenous infusion). The infusion will be given over 30 minutes. Fasturtec must only be given under the supervision of a trained doctor.
If you are given too much (overdose)
Your doctor will decide what dose of Fasturtec you need, and this will be given under close supervision. The risk of an overdosage in these circumstances is low. In the event of an overdose occurring, your doctor will decide on the treatment necessary.
Your doctor or pharmacist has information on how to recognise and treat an overdose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
While you are using Fasturtec
Things you must do
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using Fasturtec.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are using Fasturtec.
If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are being given this medicine.
If you become pregnant while you are being given this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
Things you must not do
Do not give Fasturtec to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use Fasturtec to treat any other complaints unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Fasturtec.
Fasturtec helps most people with high uric acid levels, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
If you get any side effects, do not stop using Fasturtec without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
diarrhoea
fever
headache
nausea
vomiting
seizures
These are the most common side effects of Fasturtec. These side effects can also occur as a result of the chemotherapy drugs you may be receiving.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you notice any of the following:
skin rash
hot flushes
tightness in the chest
difficulty in breathing
These may be signs of serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
After using Fasturtec
Storage
Fasturtec will normally be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. The injection is kept refrigerated (2-8°C). Do not freeze it.
Disposal
If your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop using Fasturtec or the injections have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that are left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Fasturtec comes as a clear glass vial containing a white powder, along with an ampoule containing liquid to dissolve the powder.
Ingredients
Fasturtec 1.5 mg
Active ingredients:
Each vial contains 1.5 mg rasburicase rys
Other ingredients:
Alanine
Mannitol
Sodium phosphate - dibasic dihydrate
Disodium phosphate-monobasic
Sodium phosphate - dibasic dodecahydrate
Poloxamer
Water for injections
There are three ampoules and three vials in a carton.
Fasturtec 7.5mg
Active ingredients:
Each vial contains 7.5 mg rasburicase rys
Other ingredients:
Alanine
Mannitol
Sodium phosphate - dibasic dihydrate
Disodium phosphate-monobasic
Sodium phosphate - dibasic dodecahydrate
Poloxamer
Water for injections
There is one ampoule and one vial in a carton.
