Rasburicase (r-DNA Origin), 1.5 mg/vial (Lyophilized powder for injection)

What is Rasburicase (r-DNA Origin), 1.5 mg/vial?

Rasburicase (r-DNA Origin), 1.5 mg/vial is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme produced through recombinant DNA technology. It comes as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be reconstituted before intravenous (IV) administration. It is used primarily in oncology settings to manage elevated uric acid levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy for certain types of cancer.

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What is the Use of Rasburicase (r-DNA Origin)?

Rasburicase is used for the treatment and prevention of hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) in pediatric and adult patients with:

• Hematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma

• Solid tumors with a high tumor burden

• At risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) due to rapid cell breakdown during chemotherapy

It helps prevent complications like renal failure by rapidly lowering uric acid levels.

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Benefits of Rasburicase (r-DNA Origin), 1.5 mg/vial

• Rapidly reduces uric acid levels in blood, often within hours

• Prevents kidney damage caused by tumor lysis syndrome

• More effective than allopurinol in acute hyperuricemia management

• Allows safer initiation of intensive chemotherapy in high-risk patients

• Well-tolerated in both adult and pediatric populations

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Side Effects of Rasburicase (r-DNA Origin), 1.5 mg/vial

Common Side Effects:

• Fever

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Rash

• Abdominal pain

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis

• Hemolysis, especially in patients with G6PD deficiency

• Methemoglobinemia

• Respiratory distress

• Injection site reactions

Important: Patients should be screened for G6PD deficiency before initiating Rasburicase treatment.

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Precautions and Warnings

• Contraindicated in patients with G6PD deficiency

• Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions during infusion

• Do not shake the vial during reconstitution to avoid foaming

• Use immediately after reconstitution or store according to guidelines

• Monitor uric acid, renal function, and oxygen saturation during treatment

• What is Rasburicase (r-DNA Origin)?
  Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme used to lower high uric acid levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy, particularly those at risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS).

• What is the strength and form of this product?
  Rasburicase is supplied as a 1.5 mg lyophilized powder per vial, intended for reconstitution and intravenous (IV) infusion.

• Why is Rasburicase used in cancer patients?
  It prevents and treats hyperuricemia caused by tumor lysis syndrome, which occurs when cancer cells break down rapidly during chemotherapy.

• How does Rasburicase work?
  It converts uric acid into allantoin, a more soluble and easily excreted substance, helping to protect the kidneys from damage.

• How is Rasburicase administered?
  After reconstitution with sterile water, Rasburicase is given as an intravenous infusion, usually over 30 minutes, under medical supervision.

• Is Rasburicase safe for both adults and children?
  Yes, it is approved for use in both pediatric and adult patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome.

• What are the common side effects of Rasburicase?
  Common side effects include fever, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Can Rasburicase cause allergic reactions?
  Yes. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis can occur. Patients should be closely monitored during and after infusion.

• What is G6PD deficiency and why is it important before giving Rasburicase?
  Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are at risk for severe hemolysis if they receive Rasburicase. Testing is required before use.

• Can Rasburicase cause hemolysis?
  Yes, particularly in G6PD-deficient patients. It is contraindicated in such cases.

• How quickly does Rasburicase lower uric acid levels?
  It begins to work within 4 hours, with significant reductions in uric acid typically seen within 24 hours.

• Can Rasburicase be reused or stored after reconstitution?
  No. It should be used immediately after reconstitution or within the manufacturer’s recommended time if refrigerated.

• Are there any specific storage conditions for the lyophilized vial?
  Yes. Store the vial refrigerated at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

• Is Rasburicase used alone or with other medications?
  It may be used as part of a supportive care regimen alongside chemotherapy and hydration therapy.

• Is Rasburicase an alternative to Allopurinol?
  Yes, particularly in high-risk TLS patients or when rapid uric acid reduction is needed. Unlike allopurinol, it eliminates existing uric acid.