For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Proleukin
Generic Name: Aldesleukin
Instructions
This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.
This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
Pain or fever reducers may relieve some side effects. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
If you drink alcohol regularly, please speak with your doctor.
If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.
Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.
Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- dizziness or drowsiness
- dry skin
- lack of energy and tiredness
- fever or chills
- headaches
- mouth sores or irritation
- tight or rigid muscles
- nausea
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- weight gain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- decreased awareness or responsiveness
- loss of balance
- bleeding or bruising
- bloating
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- confusion
- weakened heart; fluid in lungs
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- fast or irregular heart beats
- muscle pain or weakness
- red, burning, or itchy skin
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- difficulty speaking
- bloody or dark, tarry stools
- urinating less often
- dark urine
- blurring or changes of vision
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
- yellowing of eyes or skin
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION
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