Pegaspargase Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2025.

Applies to pegaspargase: parenteral injection.

Side effects include:

Grade 3 or 4 reactions: Hypoalbuminemia, elevated serum aminotransferase concentrations, febrile neutropenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, pancreatitis, clotting study abnormalities, embolic and thrombotic events, hypersensitivity reactions.

No apparent difference in adverse effects following IV versus IM administration.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pegaspargase: injectable solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were elevated transaminases and clinical allergic reactions to asparaginase (including bronchospasm, hypotension, laryngeal edema, local erythema or swelling, systemic rash, and urticaria).^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very common (10% or more): Hypersensitivity, urticaria, anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Central nervous system thrombosis/hemorrhage, seizure, peripheral motor neuropathy, syncope
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome
• Frequency not reported: Somnolence, tremor^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Thrombosis, embolism^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Pancreatitis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, stomatitis, ascites
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pancreatitis necrotizing, pancreatitis hemorrhagic
• Frequency not reported: Pancreatic pseudocyst, parotitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Febrile neutropenia
• Common (1% to 10%): Coagulopathy (prolonged prothrombin time or partial thromboplastin time; or hypofibrinogenemia), anemia
• Frequency not reported: Bone marrow failure^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Elevated transaminases
• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperbilirubinemia, hepatotoxicity, fatty liver
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hepatic necrosis, jaundice, cholestasis, hepatic failure^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperglycemia, weight decreased, decreased appetite
• Frequency not reported: Glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infections, sepsis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Pain in extremities^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Confusion^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoxia^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Pyrexia^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), cerebrovascular accident, hemorrhage, superior sagittal sinus thrombosis^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• How does Asparlas (calaspargase pegol-mknl) compare to Oncaspar (pegaspargase)?

Further information

Pegaspargase side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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