Name of the Procedure:

Injection of Rasburicase, 0.5 mg
(Common names: Rasburicase Injection, Elitek Injection)

Summary

Rasburicase injection is a medical procedure where a medication called rasburicase is administered intravenously. Rasburicase is an enzyme that helps to lower high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can be caused by specific cancer treatments.

Purpose

Rasburicase injection is used to manage hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid) in patients undergoing chemotherapy for certain types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. The goal is to prevent kidney damage caused by uric acid buildup, ensuring smoother overall management of cancer treatment.

Indications

• High blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) due to chemotherapy treatment.
• Patients with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a condition where cancer cells release their contents into the bloodstream, leading to high uric acid levels.

Preparation

• No specific fasting instructions are usually required.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking.
• Blood tests may be conducted to check uric acid levels and kidney function before administration.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation: The healthcare provider prepares the rasburicase solution.
2. Injection: Rasburicase is administered via an intravenous (IV) line over a short period.
3. Monitoring: The patient's vital signs and reactions are closely monitored during and after the injection.
4. Follow-up: Blood tests are periodically done to monitor uric acid levels.

No anesthesia or sedation is typically required for this procedure.

Duration

The injection itself takes a few minutes, but monitoring before and after may extend the clinical visit to a couple of hours.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Oncologist or Hematologist
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Medical Assistant or Phlebotomist

Risks and Complications

• Common risks include nausea, headache, and fever.
• Rare but serious complications could include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).
• Management involves immediate medical intervention and supportive care as needed.

Benefits

• Rapid decrease in blood uric acid levels.
• Prevents kidney damage and other complications associated with high uric acid levels.
• Benefits are usually noticeable within a few hours to days.

Recovery

• Patients can generally resume normal activities soon after the procedure if no complications arise.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor uric acid levels and kidney function.
• Patients should report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Allopurinol is another medication used to control uric acid levels, although it works slower than rasburicase.
• Pros: Allopurinol is taken orally and is less expensive.
• Cons: It is less effective in rapidly reducing uric acid levels compared to rasburicase.

Patient Experience

• During the injection, patients might feel a mild discomfort at the IV site.
• After the procedure, there should be minimal discomfort; any adverse effects are usually manageable and temporary.
• Pain management and comfort measures, such as applying a warm compress to the injection site, can help alleviate minor discomforts.