What is this medication for?
Aldesleukin is one of the groups of cancer-fighting medicines known as antineoplastics.
Aldesleukin is a man-made (synthetic) drug designed to act like one of
the body's natural defense cells known as interleukin-2. Aldesleukin
fights cancer cells by helping the body's natural defense system to seek out
and destroy cancer cells. Aldesleukin is used to treat certain types of kidney
cancer (metastatic renal carcinoma) and skin cancer (metastatic malignant
melanoma).
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Proleukin® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Aldesleukin will be injected by the doctor or by a health professional under
direct supervision of the doctor in the hospital. The recommended dose of aldesleukin
varies according to body weight. Aldesleukin is available as an intravenous
(into the vein) injection. The medication is injected through a site on the
skin that has been prepared for this purpose. This medication is most often
given as an intravenous infusion (a slow injection) over 15 minutes every
eight hours for 14 doses. After a nine-day rest, another course of 14 doses
may be given. After a seven-week rest it may be necessary to repeat the 28-dose
treatment plan again.
As well as attacking cancer cells, aldesleukin can interfere with some of your
normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as mouth sores. Keep
track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the
section "What side effects are possible with this medication?"
This medication is stored in the refrigerator and should be kept out of the
reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Aldesleukin should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to aldesleukin or any of the ingredients of the medication
- has had an abnormal thallium stress test
- has had abnormal lung function tests
- has had an organ transplant
- has had aldesleukin in the past and experienced abnormal heart rhythms,
chest pain with ECG changes, or cardiac tamponade (compression of the heart
caused by a build-up of blood or fluid)
- needed intubation for more than 72 hours or kidney dialysis for more than
72 hours, or who was in a coma for more than 48 hours after treatment with
aldesleukin
- has experienced repetitive or difficult-to-control seizures after treatment
with aldesleukin
- has suffered bowel perforation or ischemia after aldesleukin treatment
- has had stomach bleeding requiring surgery after aldesleukin treatment
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