Caroline, a young adult patient, after finishing her RYLAZE treatment

Caroline (Actual Patient)

Learn how to feel in control of your treatment journey

Tips for teens and young adults living with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL)

The doctor may recommend a treatment plan for teens and young adults that is similar to what is used to treat children with ALL and LBL. It’s called a pediatric-inspired regimen. 

A pivotal study, CALGB 10403, looked at how well treatment worked in teens and young adults (ages 17-39) with ALL. The results showed that patients who received a pediatric-inspired regimen were able to stay healthier longer than patients who received non-pediatric regimens in earlier studies. Other results showed that pediatric-inspired regimens that include asparaginase have more than doubled the length of time teens and young adults with ALL stay cancer-free compared with patients who received non-pediatric regimens in earlier studies.

After an ALL or LBL diagnosis, scheduling all treatments and going to all appointments is important to help ensure asparaginase doses are not missed.

As a reminder, various medications will be needed as part of a larger treatment plan. Healthcare team members are there to help during this challenging time. Work closely with them to get the most out of treatment.

3 tips to keep in mind:

1

Ask for information

If uncertain about anything, ask the healthcare team for clarity. Listen to their answers, and make sure they provide enough information for comfort and confidence in the treatment plan. Take notes during appointments to reference later.

2

Speak up

One important way to manage fears about an ALL or LBL diagnosis and treatment plan is by self-advocating and speaking up. Writing down thoughts and questions before an appointment can be helpful when it comes to remembering what to ask.

3

Find support

Taking care of one's mental health is critical. Consider mindfulness or meditation to manage anxiety, and lean on friends and family for help. Meet with local or online organizations or cancer advocacy/support groups. Ask the healthcare team for referrals to support groups.

Talk with the healthcare team about asparaginase therapy with RYLAZE.
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What is RYLAZE?

RYLAZE is a prescription medicine, given by intramuscular injection, that is part of a chemotherapy regimen used to treat adults and children 1 month or older who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells that help fight infection, and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL), a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that also affects white blood cells. RYLAZE is used in patients who have had an allergic reaction to E. coli asparaginase.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

RYLAZE should not be given to people who have:

  • History of serious allergic reactions to RYLAZE
  • History of serious swelling of the pancreas (stomach pain), serious blood clots, or serious bleeding during previous asparaginase treatment
  • Severe damage to the liver

RYLAZE may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Allergic reactions (a feeling of tightness in your throat, unusual swelling/redness in your throat and/or tongue, rash, or trouble breathing), some of which may be life-threatening
  • Swelling of the pancreas (stomach pain), which, if left untreated, may be fatal
  • Blood clots (may be experienced as headache, arm or leg swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain), which may be life-threatening
  • Bleeding, which may be life-threatening
  • Liver problems (may result in abnormal laboratory values) or, in severe cases, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (reduced blood flow in the liver)

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur.

Some of the most common side effects with RYLAZE include:

  • Liver problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bone and muscle pain
  • Infection
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Fever with low white blood cell count
  • Fever
  • Bleeding
  • Mouth swelling (sometimes with sores)
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Decreased appetite
  • Allergic reactions
  • High blood sugar levels
  • Diarrhea
  • Swelling of the pancreas
  • Low levels of potassium in your blood

RYLAZE can harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing. Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception (other than hormonal contraceptives) during treatment and for 3 months following the final dose. Do not breastfeed while receiving RYLAZE and for 1 week after the final dose.

Tell your healthcare provider if there are any side effects that are bothersome or that do not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of RYLAZE. For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

Call your doctor for medical advice about any side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Please see full Prescribing Information and discuss with your doctor.

What is RYLAZE?

RYLAZE is a prescription medicine, given by intramuscular injection, that is part of a chemotherapy regimen used to treat adults and children 1 month or older who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells that help fight infection, and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL), a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that also affects white blood cells. RYLAZE is used in patients who have had an allergic reaction to E. coli asparaginase.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & APPROVED USE

RYLAZE should not be given to people who have:

  • History of serious allergic reactions to RYLAZE
  • History of serious swelling of the pancreas (stomach pain), serious blood clots, or serious bleeding during previous asparaginase treatment
  • Severe damage to the liver

RYLAZE may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Allergic reactions (a feeling of tightness in your throat, unusual swelling/redness in your throat and/or tongue, rash, or trouble breathing), some of which may be life-threatening
  • Swelling of the pancreas (stomach pain), which, if left untreated, may be fatal
  • Blood clots (may be experienced as headache, arm or leg swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain), which may be life-threatening
  • Bleeding, which may be life-threatening
  • Liver problems (may result in abnormal laboratory values) or, in severe cases, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (reduced blood flow in the liver)