denileukin diftitox Health Article

Generic name(s):

denileukin diftitox

Brand name(s):

Ontak

What is the most important information I should know about denileukin diftitox?

You should not use denileukin diftitox if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a diphtheria vaccine or to medicines containing interleukin-2 (IL-2).

Denileukin diftitox is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a hospital or clinic setting. The injection normally takes about 15 minutes or longer. During this time you will be observed for side effects.

You may have a reaction from a denileukin diftitox injection within hours or days after receiving the injection. Call your doctor promptly if you have one or more of these symptoms: fever, chills, weakness, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.

Some patients receiving denileukin diftitox have had permanent changes in their vision or ability to see colors. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk. Tell your doctor if you have any vision changes during your treatment.

What is denileukin diftitox?

Denileukin diftitox is a designed protein containing toxins that attach themselves to certain types of malignant cells in the body. Denileukin diftitox works by destroying these malignant cells to slow the progression of cancer.

Denileukin diftitox is used to treat leukemia and lymphomas, including cutaneous (of the skin) T-cell lymphoma.

Denileukin diftitox may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using denileukin diftitox?

Before using denileukin diftitox, tell your doctor if you have heart disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether denileukin diftitox passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some patients receiving denileukin diftitox have had permanent changes in their vision or ability to see colors. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk. Tell your doctor if you have any vision changes during your treatment.

How should I use denileukin diftitox?

Denileukin diftitox is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a hospital or clinic setting. The injection normally takes about 15 minutes or longer. During this time you will be observed for side effects.

Denileukin diftitox is usually given each day for five days, followed by three weeks off the medication.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis before and during your treatment. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a denileukin diftitox overdose may include severe nausea or vomiting, fever, chills, and extreme weakness.

What should I avoid while receiving denileukin diftitox?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using denileukin diftitox unless your doctor has told you otherwise.