Proleukin
Active Ingredients: Aldesleukin
Other Names: IL-2, Interleukin-2, Proleukin, r-serHuIL
Drug Class: Interleukins
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions: 
Pronunciation: 
What is/are Proleukin?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?
What is/are Proleukin?
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ALDESLEUKIN, IL-2 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.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
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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 medicine?
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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?
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This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
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- 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 providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine?
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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.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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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.
Where should I keep this medicine?
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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.
Last Updated:November 29, 2007 COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company |
