Aldesleukin (al-des-LOO-kin)

Treats kidney and skin cancer. This medicine is also called interleukin-2 or IL-2.

Brand Name(s):

Proleukin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein. The medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 15 minutes.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor may give you other medicines (including fever medicine) before receiving this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how aldesleukin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking steroid medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease, an autoimmune disease (including Crohn disease), a thyroid disorder, low blood pressure, or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have eye problems, gallbladder problems, high calcium, seizures, any infections, or immune system problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Capillary leak syndrome
  • Nerve problems
  • Serious infections
  • Kidney problems
  • Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
  • Thyroid gland problems
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
  • Serious skin reaction, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • Heart problems, including myocarditis
  • Infusion-related reactions
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Bloody or cloudy urine, change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination
• Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing
• Confusion, irritability, or depression
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088