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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreSupportive Care
Brand names:
Elitek®
Other names:
Urate oxidase, recombinant urate oxidase
Often used for:
High levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia)
Rasburicase is given to decrease uric acid in the blood. High levels of uric acid in the blood may be caused by certain cancer medicines. Too much uric acid may cause gout attacks or kidney stones. Patients receiving anticancer therapy that results in tumor lysis syndrome sometimes require rasburicase. This medicine may be given in the clinic or hospital.
Before starting rasburicase, patients may be tested for low levels of an enzyme called G6PD. A G6PD deficiency can cause break down of red blood cells with some medicines. Rasburicase should not be used in patients with G6PD deficiency.
Rasburicase is usually given once a day. Patients will be monitored for signs of an allergic reaction.
May be given as a liquid into a vein by IV
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: fever, rash, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, cough, chest pain, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and hives
Red blood cell problems (hemolysis, methemoglobinemia): Signs of a serious blood disorder include blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; abnormal heartbeat, seizures, dizziness, fainting, or fatigue. This side effect is rare, but life-threatening.
Not all patients who take rasburicase will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.