Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION (al-dess-LEW-kin)
BRAND NAME(S): Proleukin
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Aldesleukin must be given in a hospital setting. It must be used with extreme caution in patients with heart or lung problems. Infrequently, this medication can cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), a serious condition that can sometimes be fatal. If you develop any of the following signs of CLS, notify your doctor immediately: swelling (edema), severe dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain (angina), trouble breathing, change in urine amount, mental/mood changes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, or black stools. Aldesleukin can also make you prone to serious infections. Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you currently have any infections. If you develop any of the following signs of infection, notify your doctor immediately: persistent sore throat or fever. Stop using aldesleukin and notify your doctor immediately if this drug makes you unusually sleepy.
USES: Aldesleukin is used to treat certain types of cancer.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for Kaposi's sarcoma.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein over a 15 minute period by a health care professional. This may also be given by other routes of administration. This is usually given three times a day, but the dose may be stopped or held based on the response.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, chills, itching or stomach upset may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects include dry skin, muscle aches, diarrhea, mouth sores, dizziness, headache, weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. This medication can cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done to monitor for this and other possible side effects. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, depression, mental confusion, skin rash, weakness, fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising, breathing trouble, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Melanoma - Get information on melanoma signs, diagnosis, staging, prognosis and symptoms. Learn about early detection, treatment side effects, prevention and see pictures of this form of skin cancer.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows