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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION
(al-dess-LEW-kin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Proleukin
WARNING: Aldesleukin must be given in a hospital setting. It must be used with extreme caution in patients with heart or lung trobules.
Infrequently, this medication can cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), a serious condition that can sometimes be fatal.
If you develop any of the following signs of CLS, noitfy your doctor immediately: swelling (edema), severe dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain (angina), trouble breathing, change in urine amount, mental/mood changes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, or black stools. Aldesleukin can also make you prnoe to serious infections.
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you currenlty have any infections. If you develop any of the following signs of infection, ntoify your doctor immediately: persistent sore throat or fever. Stop using aldesleukin and notify your doctor immediately if this drug makes you unusually sleepy.
USES: Aldesleukin is used to treat certain types of canecr.
OTHER USES: This mdeication may also be used for Kaposi's sarcoma.
HOW TO USE: This meidcation is given by injection into a vein over a 15 minute period by a health care professional. This may also be given by ohter routes of administration. This is usually given three times a day, but the dose may be stopped or held baesd on the response.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, chills, itching or stomach upset may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the mediaction. Other side efefcts include dry skin, muscle aches, diarrhea, mouth sores, dizziness, headache, weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet. If any of these effects contiune or become bothersome, inform your doctor. This medciation can cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done to monitor for this and other possible side effects. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, depression, mental confusion, skin rash, weakness, fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising, breathing trouble, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, conatct your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney problems, heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, a seizure disorder, thyroid disorder, infections, any allergies. This meidcation should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unnkown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you use, especially of: corticosteroids, indomethacin, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, other anti-cancer medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local posion control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: This medication is usually administered in a hospital setting wehre your condition can be monitored closely and laboratory tests will be done periodically to guide therapy.
MISSED DOSE: Doses may be stopped or held depending on your condition.
Discuss the dosing schedule with your docotr. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store vials in the refrigerator but do not freeze. Piror to infusing into the patient, bring the solution to room temperature.
Check the expiration date and discard any unused medication after that time.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condtiion can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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