Generic Name: aldesleukin (AL des LOO kin)Brand Names: Proleukin
Aldesleukin is a cancer medication that interferes with tumor growth.
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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before you receive aldesleukin, tell your doctor if you have a heart disorder or history of heart attack, breathing problems, kidney or liver disease, gallbladder disease, high levels of calcium in your blood, a thyroid disorder, diabetes, seizures, mental illness, neurologic problems, or an autoimmune disorder (arthritis, Crohn's disease, scleroderma, myasthenia gravis, or skin disorder).
There are many other drugs that can interact with aldesleukin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
If you need to have any type of x-ray or other scan using a contrast agent (a dye that is used to help blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues appear more clearly on the x-ray or scan), be sure the doctor knows ahead of time if you have recently received aldesleukin. Some people treated with aldesleukin or similar medication have had unusual allergic reactions to contrast agents used within weeks to several months later.an infection caused by bacteria;
if you have received an organ transplant;
if you have recently had an abnormal lung function test; or
if 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;
seizures;
psychosis (thinking problems, hallucinations, or changes in personality);
stomach or intestinal bleeding; or
if you needed a breathing tube.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive aldesleukin:
heart disease, angina (chest pain), a heart rhythm disorder, or history of heart attack;
lung or breathing problems;
gallbladder 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.
Aldesleukin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 15 minutes to complete.
Aldesleukin is usually given every 8 hours for up to 5 days, followed by a 9-day rest period and then repeated.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving aldesleukin. Your blood will also need to be tested daily during treatment, and you may also need chest x-rays.After 4 weeks off the medication, your doctor will examine you to determine if you need to be treated again with aldesleukin.
If you need to have any type of x-ray or other scan using a contrast agent (a dye that is used to help blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues appear more clearly on the x-ray or scan), be sure the doctor knows ahead of time if you have recently received aldesleukin. Some people treated with aldesleukin or similar medication have had unusual allergic reactions to contrast agents used within weeks to several months later.Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your aldesleukin injection.
Overdose symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, fast or pounding heartbeats, chest pain, trouble walking or breathing, painful swelling in any part of your body, problems with vision or speech, urinating less than usual , or seizure (convulsions).
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
severe drowsiness;
feeling like you might pass out;
chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
runny or stuffy nose, cough, rapid breathing and heart rate, trouble breathing, swelling and pain in any part of your body;
problems with vision, speech, balance, or coordination;
mood or behavior changes, confusion, agitation, hallucinations;
seizures (convulsions);
swelling, rapid weight gain;
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
a blistering skin rash;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, unusual weakness.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild stomach pain;
tired feeling;
drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety; or
diarrhea, loss of appetite.
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.
Usual Adult Dose for Renal Cell Carcinoma:
0.037 mg/kg by IV infusion every 8 hoursInfusions may be administered every 8 hours for a maximum of 14 doses. Following 9 days of rest, the schedule may be repeated for another 14 doses, to a maximum of 28 doses per course, as tolerated.Patients should be evaluated for response approximately 4 weeks after completion of a course of therapy and again immediately prior to the scheduled start of the next treatment course. Additional courses of treatment should be given to patients only if there is some tumor shrinkage following the last course and retreatment is not contraindicated. Each treatment course should be separated by a rest period of at least 7 weeks from the date of hospital discharge.
Usual Adult Dose for Malignant Melanoma:
0.037 mg/kg by IV infusion every 8 hoursInfusions may be administered every 8 hours for a maximum of 14 doses. Following 9 days of rest, the schedule may be repeated for another 14 doses, to a maximum of 28 doses per course, as tolerated.Patients should be evaluated for response approximately 4 weeks after completion of a course of therapy and again immediately prior to the scheduled start of the next treatment course. Additional courses of treatment should be given to patients only if there is some tumor shrinkage following the last course and retreatment is not contraindicated. Each treatment course should be separated by a rest period of at least 7 weeks from the date of hospital discharge.
Aldesleukin can be harmful to the kidneys, liver, heart, or bone marrow. These effects are increased when aldesleukin is used together with other medicines that can cause similar harmful effects. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using, especially:
an antibiotic taken by mouth or given in an IV;
an antidepressant;
antifungal medication;
anti-malaria medications;
antiviral medications, or medicines to treat HIV or AIDS;
birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
cholesterol-lowering medications;
digoxin and other heart rhythm medication;
heart or blood pressure medications;
medicines to treat a bowel disorder;
medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder;
other cancer medications;
pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, acetaminophen, gold compounds, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID]);
seizure medications;
a steroid; or
tuberculosis medications.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with aldesleukin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.