Aldesleukin (By injection)
al-des-LOO-kin
Treats advanced kidney cancer and skin cancer. This medicine is also called interleukin-2 or IL-2.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Aldesleukin injection is anticancer medicine that is used to treat metastatic kidney cancer (cancer that has already spread to the body) and metastatic skin cancer.
Aldesleukin is a man-made version of a substance called interleukin-2. Interleukins are produced naturally by cells in the body to help white blood cells work.
Aldesleukin causes very serious side effects in addition to its helpful effects. Some effects can be fatal. For that reason, aldesleukin injection is given only in the hospital. If severe side effects occur, which is common, treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) may be necessary. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Before you begin treatment with aldesleukin, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
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.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
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.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
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 any of the following:
Asparaginase Blood pressure medicine, such as amlodipine, atenolol, clonidine, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, metoprolol, olmesartan, propranolol Indomethacin Methotrexate Other cancer medicine, such as cisplatin, dacarbazine, doxorubicin, interferon-alfa, tamoxifen Steroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisoneTell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to aldesleukin or interleukin-2, or if you have severe heart, liver, kidney, nerve, lung, or stomach problems.
Warnings
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.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, 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 an autoimmune disorder (such as arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma).
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Rarely, a life-threatening condition called capillary leak syndrome (CLS) could occur immediately after you receive this medicine. CLS can cause low blood pressure, so your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
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
Blood in your stools or vomit
Chest pain, or fast or uneven heartbeat
Confusion, irritability, or depression
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Loss of appetite or stomach pain
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness
Yellow skin or eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Nausea, vomiting, or 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.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Proleukin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.