Aldesleukin

Generic name: aldesleukin [ AL-des-LOO-kin ]
Brand name: Proleukin
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (22000000 intl units)
Drug classes:Interleukins, Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 26, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

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.

Warnings

You should not be treated with aldesleukin if you have recently had abnormal lung or heart function tests.

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with aldesleukin if you are allergic to aldesleukin or interleukin-2, or if:

• 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.

You may not be able to receive aldesleukin if you've had any of these side effects while receiving aldesleukin in the past:

• 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

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