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Proleukin

Proleukin

(aldesleukin)

Proleukin (Aldesleukin) belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications called biological response modifiers. It is a synthetic (manmade) medication designed to act like one of the body's natural defense cells known as interleukin-2.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable Powder

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Proleukin information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

Proleukin (Aldesleukin) is available as an intravenous (into the vein) injection. The medication is injected through a site on the skin that has been specially prepared for this purpose. Proleukin (Aldesleukin) is most often given as an intravenous infusion (injection given over 15 minutes) every 8 hours for a maximum of 14 doses. After a 9-day rest, another course of 14 doses may be given for a maximum of 28 doses per course. After a 7-week rest, it may be necessary to repeat the 28-dose treatment plan.

Proleukin (Aldesleukin) will be injected by a doctor or by someone under direct supervision of a doctor in a hospital. The recommended dose of Proleukin (Aldesleukin) varies according to body weight.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Very careful handling of Proleukin (Aldesleukin) is required, and it is always given in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

It is important Proleukin (Aldesleukin) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Proleukin (Aldesleukin), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

As well as attacking cancer cells, Proleukin (Aldesleukin) can affect some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor, as suggested in the section "What side effects are possible with Proleukin (Aldesleukin)?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Proleukin (Aldesleukin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Proleukin (Aldesleukin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Proleukin (Aldesleukin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

abnormal dreams
appetite loss
Constipation
Diarrhea
dizziness
drowsiness
dry skin
flushed, red skin
hair loss
heartburn
itchy skin
joint or muscle pain
nausea and vomiting
runny nose
skin rash
skin redness with burning or itching
trouble sleeping
weakness
weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

anxiety
chills
confusion
Fever
numbness and tingling
signs of bleeding (e.g., blood in the urine, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, unusual bleeding or bruising)
signs of breathing problems (e.g., shortness of breath, troubled breathing, wheezing, tightness in chest, fast or irregular breathing)
signs of changed mental status (e.g., confusion, irritability, or trouble speaking)
signs of decreased red blood cell production (e.g., unusual tiredness, pale skin)
signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle pain or cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, lack of coordination, thirst, confusion)
signs of kidney problems, such as major decrease in urine output
signs of liver problems (e.g., darkening of urine, pale stools, yellow eyes or skin)
sores in the mouth and on the lips
stomach pain
swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
symptoms of irregular heart beat (e.g., chest pain, dizziness, rapid, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath)
symptoms of Low Blood Pressure (e.g., fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, nausea)
symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, weakness)
symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g., pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain)

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

chest pain
severe stomach pain
signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools; spitting up of blood; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
signs of a Heart Attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
signs of heart complications (e.g., chest pain; changes in heart rhythm; dizziness; swelling in hands, feet, or abdomen)
signs of infection (e.g., cough or hoarseness, sore throat, chills, fever, swollen or painful glands, unusual tiredness or weakness, painful or difficult urination)
signs of sepsis (blood infection; e.g., fever; dizziness; chills; very high or very low body temperature; low blood pressure; pounding or rapid heartbeat; rapid, shallow breathing)
signs of severe skin reaction (e.g., skin blisters, severe rash or itching, pinpoint red spots on the skin, blisters on the skin, white spots on lips or in the mouth)
swollen or enlarged stomach

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Proleukin (Aldesleukin).

There may be an interaction between Proleukin (Aldesleukin) and any of the following:

5-ASA medications (e.g., Mesalamine, Olsalazine, Sulfasalazine)
alcohol
Aliskiren
alpha-agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
alpha-blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; e.g., Captopril, Lisinopril, Ramipril)
angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
BCG vaccine
beta-blockers (e.g., Acebutolol, Propranolol, Metoprolol)
brimonidine
calcium channel blockers (e.g., Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
cancer medications (e.g., asparaginase, Cisplatin, Dacarbazine, Doxorubicin, interferon-alfa, Methotrexate, Tamoxifen, Vinblastine)
conivaptan
corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Dexamethasone)
diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
Duloxetine
Hydralazine
levodopa
muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
nitrates (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate, Nitroglycerin)
Obinutuzumab
opioid pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Morphine)
Pentoxifylline
phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
radiocontrast dye
tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Clomipramine, Desipramine, Imipramine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,
change one of the medications to another,
change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Proleukin (Aldesleukin). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Proleukin (Aldesleukin).

Autoimmune conditions: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) may worsen any inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, including Diabetes mellitus, inflammation of the Thyroid, Crohn's Disease, and inflammatory Arthritis.

Birth control: Women who could become pregnant and men whose partners who could become pregnant must use an effective method of birth control while using Proleukin (Aldesleukin).

Blood clotting: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.

Nervous system problems: Hallucinations, speech difficulty, agitation, and changes in mental status have been reported with Proleukin (Aldesleukin). If you experience any changes in thinking, movement or mood, contact your doctor immediately.

Diabetes: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) may affect your blood glucose (sugar) levels. You and your doctor should monitor your sugar levels closely while using Proleukin (Aldesleukin).

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Proleukin (Aldesleukin) affects you.

Fertility: Temporary or permanent sterility may occur with the use of Proleukin (Aldesleukin).

Heart conditions: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) may cause damage to the heart and should not be used by people with heart disease. If you experience symptoms of heart trouble, such as chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, sudden dizziness, fluid retention, or swelling, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Infections: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) may increase the risk of getting an infection. If you have an indwelling central line or have an existing infection, speak to your doctor about how to prevent infections while using Proleukin (Aldesleukin). If you develop any signs or symptoms of an infection (e.g., fever, cough, chest pain, difficult or painful urination, or skin redness, warmth, or swelling), contact your doctor.

Kidney function: Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease may cause Proleukin (Aldesleukin) to build up in the body, causing side effects. Proleukin (Aldesleukin) also affects kidney function and should not be used by people with kidney disease or decreased kidney function. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function during treatment with Proleukin (Aldesleukin) with blood tests.

Liver function: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) can affect liver function and should not be used by people with liver disease or decreased liver function. Your doctor will monitor your liver function during treatment with Proleukin (Aldesleukin) with blood tests. Report any signs of liver damage such as darkening urine, pale stools, or yellow skin or eyes to your doctor as soon as possible.

Low blood pressure: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) can cause low blood pressure: If you experience severe dizziness, especially when standing from a lying or sitting position, contact your doctor.

Seizure disorders: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) can cause seizures. If you have a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Proleukin (Aldesleukin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Proleukin (Aldesleukin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Skin reactions: Proleukin (Aldesleukin) has been linked to serious skin reactions. If you experience symptoms of a serious skin reaction (such as skin rash; redness of the skin; skin peeling; or blisters on the lips, eyes, or mouth) with fever, chills, headache, cough, or body aches, contact your physician immediately.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate studies of use of Proleukin (Aldesleukin) by pregnant women. Proleukin (Aldesleukin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Proleukin (Aldesleukin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Proleukin (Aldesleukin) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Proleukin (Aldesleukin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Proleukin (Aldesleukin) have not been established for use by children.

Seniors: Seniors may be at higher risk of experiencing the side effects of Proleukin (Aldesleukin).

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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