Aldesleukin, IL-2 injection

What is this medication?

ALDESLEUKIN, IL-2 (al des LOO kin) is a chemotherapy drug. It is usually used for advanced renal cell cancer or for advanced melanoma. It is sometimes used for other cancers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Proleukin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•blood problems

•extreme tiredness

•fever or infection

•heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease

•immune system problems

•mental disorders

•organ transplant

•seizures

•stomach problems

•thyroid problems

•an unusual or allergic reaction to aldesleukin, bacterial proteins, mannitol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a vein but can also be injected under the skin. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

•aminoglycosides

•contrast media

•interferon alfa

•medicines for cancer like doxorubicin, methotrexate, asparaginase, cisplatinum, dacarbazine, and tamoxifen

•medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

•medicines for blood pressure like beta blockers

•medicines for pain including pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, tramadol, and propoxyphene

•medicines for sleep

•NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

•phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, and thioridazine

•steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks.

Try to avoid people who are sick. If you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself. The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections.

The medicine may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon. Tell your doctor or health care professional about any side effects or problems you develop.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•changes in vision

•chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

•confusion, agitation, anxiety, or hallucinations

•difficulty breathing, wheezing

•dizziness, fainting spells

•fever, chills, cough, or sore throat

•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

•reduced urine output or dark yellow or brown urine

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusual swelling, especially of the face, feet, or ankles

•unusually weak or tired

•vomiting

•yellowing of eyes and skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•diarrhea

•drowsiness

•loss of appetite

•nausea

•sore mouth

•stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.