Rasburicase
Rasburicase is a recombinant enzyme medication used to prevent and treat dangerously high uric acid levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. It works by converting uric acid into allantoin, a more soluble compound that can be easily eliminated by the kidneys.
Rasburicase is a recombinant enzyme that lowers elevated uric acid levels by converting it to the more soluble allantoin, primarily used to prevent tumor lysis syndrome in cancer patients.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V03AF07
- RxNorm
- 283821
- Generic
- Rasburicase
- Class
- atc-v03
- Brands
- Elitek
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Rasburicase is used for the prevention and treatment of acute hyperuricemia associated with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid malignancies undergoing chemotherapy.
Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase that catalyzes the enzymatic oxidation of poorly soluble uric acid into allantoin, which is approximately 5-10 times more soluble and readily excreted by the kidneys.
Rasburicase is administered as a daily IV infusion for 5-7 days. It is contraindicated in patients with G6PD deficiency due to risk of severe hemolysis. Blood samples for uric acid monitoring must be collected in pre-chilled tubes and placed on ice to prevent false readings, as rasburicase continues to degrade uric acid ex vivo.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy