ALDESLEUKIN

It must be given by a health care professional. Use with extreme caution in patients with heart or lung problems.  Aldesleukin may infrequently cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), a serious condition that can sometimes be fatal, serious infections, and even loss of consciousness.

Fever, chills, stomach upset, dry skin, muscle stiffness, diarrhea, mouth sores, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur.

Unlikely but serious side effects include: swollen belly, muscle pain/weakness, severe tiredness, confusion, difficulty speaking, trouble walking, vision changes (including temporary blindness), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, agitation, hallucinations), unusual bleeding/bruising, swelling hands/feet, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, thirst, flushing, rapid breathing.

Rare but very serious side effects include: fast heartbeat, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, seizures.

If you experience these symptoms and In case of allergic reactions, consult your doctor immediately

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist your allergies, medical history, especially of: kidney problems, heart disease (e.g., fast/irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack, angina), liver disease, lung disease, stomach problems (e.g., ischemic bowel, perforation, bleeding ulcers), high levels of calcium (hypercalcemia), history of organ transplant, seizures, a certain bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), a certain connective tissue disease (scleroderma), thyroid disorders, arthritis, diabetes, a certain muscle/nerve disease (myasthenia gravis), a certain kidney disorder (glomerulonephritis), gallbladder problems (cholecystitis), a certain disease of blood vessels in the brain (cerebral vasculitis).

Avoid activities that require alertness, and notify your doctor if you are scheduled to have an X-ray or scanning procedure using injectable dye (e.g., iodinated contrast).

Elderly people may be at a greater risk for kidney effects or shortness of breath while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. For pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, consult your doctor before use.

Interactions

Drugs that may interact with the mechanism of Aldesleukin are: blood pressure drugs (e.g., beta blockers such as metoprolol), interferon alfa, tamoxifen, drugs that can cause kidney problems (e.g., indomethacin, aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), other anti-cancer medication (e.g., asparaginase, cisplatin, dacarbazine, methotrexate), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., risperidone, trazodone).

There are drugs that might increase seizure risk when combined with aldesleukin such as isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), among others.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Get emergency medical help when overdose is suspected.

Missed Dose: As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage: This medication must not be stored at home.