Drugs & Vitamins

IL-2 Active Ingredients: Aldesleukin   Representative Names: IL-2, Interleukin-2, Proleukin, r-serHuIL What is aldesleukin, IL-2 injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with aldesleukin, IL-2? What side effects may I notice from receiving aldesleukin, IL-2? What should I watch for while taking aldesleukin, IL-2? Where can I keep my medicine? What is aldesleukin, IL-2 injection? (Back to top) ALDESLEUKIN, IL-2 (Proleukin®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Aldesleukin, IL-2 can be used in combination with other medicines to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia, especially in children. Generic aldesleukin, IL-2 injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an immune deficiency (natural or due to chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy) •blood disorders •an organ transplant •fever or infection •having intramuscular injections •heart, lung, kidney, liver, or pancreas disease •mental disorders •seizures (convulsions) •stomach or intestinal problems •unusual bleeding problems •an unusual or allergic reaction to aldesleukin, bacterial proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Aldesleukin, IL-2 is usually administered by injection into a vein but can also be injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection). It can be given in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. It is sometimes given at home. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with aldesleukin, IL-2? (Back to top) •dacarbazine •hormones such as prednisone or cortisone Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving aldesleukin, IL-2? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •black, tarry stools •blood in urine; dark yellow or brown urine •changes in vision •chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) •confusion, agitation, or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not really there) •difficulty breathing, wheezing •dizziness, fainting spells •fever or chills, cough or sore throat •headache •increased thirst •increased or decreased amount of urine passed •lower back or side pain •mental delusions •muscle, joint, or leg aches and pains •seizures (convulsions) •skin rash, redness, itching, or peeling, loose skin •speech difficulty •stomach pain or swelling •unusual swelling, especially of the face, feet or ankles •unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on your skin •unusual tiredness or weakness •vomiting •yellowing of eyes and skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation or diarrhea •change in taste •change in weight •drowsiness •dry skin •indigestion •loss of appetite •nausea •pain, swelling, or inflammation at the injection site •sore mouth •sweating What should I watch for while taking aldesleukin, IL-2? (Back to top) Aldesleukin, IL-2 may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. While you are using aldesleukin, IL-2 you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had an oral polio vaccine. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself. Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney problems. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Last Updated:01/01/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.