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Elitek is used to lower uric acid levels in people who could have high uric acid levels due to breakdown of cells caused by cancer chemotherapy. Elitek works by changing uric acid into something that your kidneys can remove from the body more easily. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, fever, and fluid retention. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice unusual weakness or tiredness, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or skin that is pale, gray, or blue.

Uses

What is Elitek used for?

Elitek (rasburicase) is commonly used to lower uric acid levels in people who could have hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) due to breakdown of cells caused by cancer chemotherapy.

Elitek may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Elitek work (mechanism of action)?

Elitek lowers uric acid levels by converting uric acid into something that your kidneys can remove from your body more easily.

How is Elitek supplied (dosage forms)?

Elitek is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Elitek?

Elitek is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Elitek?

The most common side effects of Elitek are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs
  • Anxiety
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain

There may be other side effects of Elitek that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Elitek?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Elitek are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Elitek may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Elitek and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Methemoglobinemia. Elitek can cause a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Hemoglobin is a protein that normally carries oxygen in your blood. Methemoglobinemia is when you have too much of a form of hemoglobin called methemoglobin. If you have methemoglobinemia, it is harder for your body to get oxygen to your tissues. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of methemoglobinemia.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, including pale, gray, or blue skin 
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Tiredness or weakness

Blood Disorders. Elitek may cause your red blood cells to be destroyed, which is called hemolytic anemia. Your health care provider may run tests and stop Elitek if you have hemolytic anemia. Do not get Elitek again if you have hemolysis.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Elitek?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Elitek.

  • Elitek
  • Rasburicase
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Elitek.

G6PD Deficiency. People with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should not use Elitek. Using Elitek if you have G6PD deficiency puts you at risk for hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia, which are serious conditions that affect red blood cells. Your health care provider may run tests to determine if you have G6PD deficiency before starting treatment with Elitek.

History of Blood Disorders. You should not use Elitek if you had a reaction of hemolytic anemia or methemoglobinemia when you were previously treated with Elitek.

What should I know about Elitek before using it?

Elitek is usually given to you through an infusion into a vein by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Elitek?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Elitek is right for you.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Elitek could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Elitek passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using Elitek or for two weeks after your last dose of Elitek. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Elitek?

For more information about Elitek, you can call the drugmaker at 800-633-1610.

Interactions

Does Elitek interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Elitek and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Elitek.

Does Elitek interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Elitek and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Elitek?

If you or someone else has used too much Elitek, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Elitek?

If you miss an appointment to get your Elitek dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.