ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION

  • Home
  • ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION

ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (AL-des-LOO-kin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Proleukin

GENERIC NAME(S): aldesleukin

Uses

USES: Aldesleukin is used to treat advanced forms of kidney or skin cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body). This medication is the same as a substance that your body normally makes (interleukin-2). In the body, this drug is thought to work by affecting the body's natural defenses (immune system). This effect slows or stops cancer cell growth.


How to use ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein over 15 minutes by a health care professional. It may also be given in other ways as directed by your doctor. This medication is usually given every 8 hours for 5 days in a row. However, your doctor may decide to delay or stop your treatment depending on how you respond to this drug. After this treatment period, you will be given time to rest and recover before getting more of this medication. A course of therapy may include up to 28 doses of this medication. To make sure that you receive each scheduled dose as directed, it is important to keep all of your medical appointments while receiving this medication. Depending on your response, your doctor may decide that a second course would be helpful. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to treatment, and your side effects.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Fever, chills, stomach upset, dry skin, muscle stiffness, diarrhea, mouth sores, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swollen belly, muscle pain/weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, trouble walking, vision changes (including temporary blindness), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, agitation, hallucinations), unusual bleeding/bruising, thirst, flushing, rapid breathing, symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain). Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast heartbeat, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest/jaw/left arm pain, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before using aldesleukin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, heart disease (e.g., fast/irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack, angina), liver disease, lung disease, stomach problems (e.g., ischemic bowel, perforation, bleeding ulcers), high levels of calcium (hypercalcemia), history of organ transplant, seizures. This medication may worsen certain types of immune system disorders (autoimmune and inflammatory type). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following disorders: a certain bowel disease (Crohn's disease), a certain connective tissue disease (scleroderma), thyroid disorders, arthritis, diabetes, a certain muscle/nerve disease (myasthenia gravis), a certain kidney disorder (glomerulonephritis), gallbladder problems (cholecystitis), a certain disease of blood vessels in the brain (cerebral vasculitis). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. If you are scheduled to have any X-ray or scanning procedure using injectable dye (e.g., iodinated contrast), tell your doctor that you are using this medication. Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for kidney effects or shortness of breath while using this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Women who may become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control while using this medication. Discuss the use of birth control and the risks and benefits of using this medication with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of possible harm to a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: blood pressure drugs (e.g., beta blockers such as metoprolol), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone), interferon alfa, tamoxifen, drugs that can cause kidney problems (e.g., indomethacin, aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), other anti-cancer medication (e.g., asparaginase, cisplatin, dacarbazine, methotrexate). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION

Aldesleukin injection, also known as IL-2, is used to treat advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) and metastatic melanoma.

Aldesleukin injection works by stimulating the body's immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells.

Aldesleukin injection is administered as an intravenous infusion (IV) in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Common side effects of Aldesleukin injection may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It can also cause low blood pressure and respiratory problems.

Aldesleukin injection is usually given every 8 hours for up to 14 consecutive doses, followed by a rest period of up to 9 days. This cycle may be repeated for a total of 28 doses or until the disease progression occurs.

The effects of Aldesleukin injection may vary, but it typically takes several weeks or months to see a response. Some patients may experience a complete or partial response, while others may not respond to the treatment.

Aldesleukin injection is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. It should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, liver or kidney impairment, or autoimmune disorders.

Aldesleukin injection should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. It is also not recommended for use while breastfeeding, as it may be excreted in breast milk and could harm the nursing baby.

The safety and effectiveness of Aldesleukin injection in children have not been established, and it is primarily used in adults for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer and metastatic melanoma.

The treatment with Aldesleukin injection typically consists of a series of cycles, with each cycle lasting 9 days. The cycles are usually separated by a period of rest.

Aldesleukin injection can be effective in treating certain cancers, but it does not guarantee a cure. The response to treatment varies from person to person, and some individuals may experience a complete or partial response, while others may not respond at all.

Aldesleukin injection should not be used in individuals with a history of severe heart or lung disease, an autoimmune disorder, or organ transplant. It should also be used with caution in patients with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking certain medications.

The frequency of Aldesleukin injection administration depends on the specific treatment plan determined by your healthcare provider. It is typically given on a specified schedule, which may include multiple cycles of treatment.

Yes, Aldesleukin injection can be used in combination with other cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy, as determined by your healthcare provider. This combination approach may improve the overall effectiveness of treatment.

ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION Pricing Page Get Discount Coupon

Warning

WARNING: Aldesleukin must be given in a hospital setting by a health care professional. It must be used with extreme caution in patients with heart or lung problems. 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, tell your doctor right away: swelling, severe dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain (angina), trouble breathing, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), mental/mood changes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools. Aldesleukin can also make you more likely to get serious infections. Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you currently have any infections. Also, tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following signs of infection: persistent sore throat, fever. Rarely, this drug may cause a loss of consciousness. If this drug makes you unusually sleepy, stop using it and tell your doctor right away.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.