aldesleukin

What is the most important information I should know about aldesleukin?

Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of a serious side effect called capillary leak syndrome: stuffy or runny nose followed by tiredness or dizziness, thirst, decreased urination, trouble breathing, and sudden swelling or weight gain.

Also tell your doctor if you feel very drowsy during treatment.

What is aldesleukin?

Aldesleukin is used to treat kidney cancer or skin cancer than has spread to other parts of the body.

Aldesleukin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving aldesleukin?

• you have an active infection caused by bacteria;
• you have received an organ transplant;
• you have recently had an abnormal lung function test; or
• you have recently had an abnormal exercise test showing decreased blood flow to your heart.

• irregular heart rhythm;
• chest pain;
• a build-up of fluid around your heart;
• kidney failure;
• gallbladder disease;
• seizures;
• coma or psychosis (thinking problems, hallucinations, or changes in personality);
• stomach or intestinal bleeding; or
• if you needed a breathing tube.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, angina (chest pain), a heart rhythm disorder, or history of heart attack;
• lung or breathing problems;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);
• a thyroid disorder;
• diabetes;
• a seizure disorder;
• mental illness or neurologic problems; or
• an autoimmune disorder such as Crohn's disease, scleroderma, arthritis, myasthenia gravis, or a chronic skin disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is aldesleukin given?

Aldesleukin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You will need daily blood tests, and you may also need chest x-rays.

After 4 weeks off aldesleukin, your doctor will determine if you need to be treated again.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, tell the doctor ahead of time if you have recently received aldesleukin. Some people treated with aldesleukin have had unusual allergic reactions to contrast agents used within weeks to several months later.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving aldesleukin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of aldesleukin?

• severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• problems with vision, speech, balance, or coordination;
• mood or behavior changes, confusion, agitation, hallucinations;
• seizures (convulsions);
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• a blistering skin rash;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

• rash;
• chills;
• felling like you might pass out;
• diarrhea, vomiting, nausea;
• decreased urination;
• abnormal blood tests;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• shortness of breath; or
• confusion.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect aldesleukin?

Aldesleukin can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Many drugs can affect aldesleukin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about aldesleukin.