PROLEUKIN

Drug Name: PROLEUKIN

PROLEUKIN DESCRIPTION:
ALDESLEUKIN - INJECTION (al-dess-LEW-kin)

COMMON PROLEUKIN BRAND NAME(S):
Proleukin

PROLEUKIN 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. Notify your doctor if you develop chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, jaundice, depression, mental confusion, skin rash, weakness, fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising or breathing trouble while taking PROLEUKIN. PROLEUKIN can cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done to monitor for this and other possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PROLEUKIN:
PROLEUKIN: PROLEUKIN 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.

PROLEUKIN WARNING:
Aldesleukin must be given in a hospital setting. It must be used with extreme caution in patients with heart or lung problems. PROLEUKIN can cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), a condition that can 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 PROLEUKIN, tell your doctor if you already 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 PROLEUKIN makes you unusually sleepy.

PROLEUKIN USES:
Aldesleukin is used to treat certain types of cancer.

OTHER USES OF PROLEUKIN:
PROLEUKIN may also be used for Kaposi's sarcoma.

PROLEUKIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, seizure disorder, infections, thyroid disorder or if you have any allergies. PROLEUKIN should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of PROLEUKIN are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PROLEUKIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially corticosteroids, indomethacin, medication for blood pressure, depression, anxiety or other anticancer medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PROLEUKIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

PROLEUKIN NOTES:
PROLEUKIN is usually administered in a hospital setting where your condition can be monitored closely and laboratory tests will be done periodically to guide therapy.

MISSED PROLEUKIN DOSE:
Doses may be stopped or held depending on your condition. Discuss the dosing schedule with your doctor. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PROLEUKIN STORAGE:
Store vials in the refrigerator but do not freeze. Prior to infusing into the patient, bring the solution to room temperature. Check the expiration date and discard any unused medication after that time. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.