Rasburicase is an important therapeutic drug. Its English name is Fasturtec, and its aliases include Rasburicase and Elitek. It was developed by Sanofi-Aventis of France and launched in the UK and Germany in March 2001, and was later approved by the US FDA. Its dosage form is a lyophilized powder injection. The main ingredient is Rasburicase. By catalyzing the decomposition of uric acid, it can effectively prevent and treat hyperuricemia caused by tumor lysis syndrome. It is suitable for the initial management of plasma uric acid in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, etc. who are receiving anti-cancer treatment.
What is the current price of Rasburicase (Fasturtec)?
The price of Rasburicase is the focus of many patients. Due to its domestic listing and the particularity of the purchase channel, there are certain differences in price.
Domestic price situation
There are generic drugs for Rasburicase on the market.
Merck's original drug specifications are 25mg*100 tablets and 100mg*100 tablets; Bangladesh Everest generic drug specifications are 50mg*100 tablets.
After understanding the price of Rasburicase, patients also need to pay attention to the possible side effects of using the drug so as to prepare for the response in advance and ensure the safety of treatment.
Side effects of Rasburicase
During the use of Rasburicase, a variety of side effects may occur, and patients and medical staff need to pay close attention.
Allergy-related side effects
Rasburicase can cause severe or even fatal allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, with an incidence of less than 1% in patients. It may occur at any time during treatment and there is also a risk of occurrence during the first dose. The signs and symptoms of allergic reactions are diverse, including bronchospasm, manifested as shortness of breath and wheezing; chest pain and chest tightness, and patients feel chest discomfort; difficulty breathing, leading to hypoxia; and hypotension, which can develop into shock in severe cases, and skin urticaria and other manifestations. Once a patient has clinical evidence of a severe allergic reaction, Rasburicase must be discontinued immediately and permanently.
Hemolysis and related side effects
Rasburicase is contraindicated in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Because hydrogen peroxide, one of the main byproducts of uric acid conversion to allantoin, may cause hemolysis. Within 2 to 4 days after the start of treatment, less than 1% of treated patients will experience severe hemolysis.
If patients develop symptoms of hemolysis, such as anemia, jaundice, etc., they need to stop taking the drug immediately and permanently, and take appropriate monitoring and support measures in time, such as blood transfusion support when necessary, to maintain the patient's physical function. For people at higher risk of G6PD deficiency, such as patients of African or Mediterranean descent, screening must be performed before taking the drug.
Side effects of methemoglobinemia
In clinical studies, the proportion of patients treated with Rasburicase to develop methemoglobinemia was less than 1%, including cases of severe hypoxemia requiring medical support intervention. It is not clear whether patients who lack cytochrome b5 reductase or other antioxidant enzymes have an increased risk of methemoglobinemia or hemolytic anemia. Once a patient is diagnosed with methemoglobinemia, the drug should be stopped immediately and permanently, and appropriate monitoring and support measures should be formulated to ensure the stability of the patient's vital signs.
Relief methods for side effects of Rasburicase
There are corresponding relief methods for the possible side effects of Rasburicase, which can help relieve patient discomfort and ensure smooth treatment.
Relief of allergic reactions
Once an allergic reaction occurs, Rasburicase infusion should be stopped immediately. For mild allergies, such as only skin itching and a small amount of rash, oral antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine can be taken as prescribed by the doctor to relieve allergic symptoms.
If the allergic reaction is more severe, with breathing difficulties and decreased blood pressure, adrenaline should be injected subcutaneously immediately, and emergency measures such as oxygen inhalation and intravenous infusion of glucocorticoids such as methylprednisolone sodium succinate should be given, and the patient's vital signs, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, should be closely monitored.
Treatment of hemolysis and methemoglobinemia
When hemolysis occurs, in addition to stopping the drug immediately, if the anemia is severe, blood transfusion treatment is required in time to supplement red blood cells and maintain the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Sodium bicarbonate can be used to alkalize the urine to prevent hemoglobin from depositing in the renal tubules and protect renal function.
For methemoglobinemia, methylene blue can be given intravenously to promote the reduction of methemoglobin to normal hemoglobin and improve tissue hypoxia. During treatment, the level of methemoglobin needs to be continuously monitored and the treatment plan needs to be adjusted.
When using Rasburicase, patients must obtain the drug through formal channels, carefully understand the price structure, and keep the purchase receipt. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions for medication, and do relevant screening before taking the drug. Pay close attention to the body's reaction during medication. If side effects occur, contact the doctor in time and follow the doctor's instructions for relief and treatment. If you have any questions about the drug, communicate with medical staff at any time to ensure your own medication safety and treatment effect.
