Proleukin

Proleukin is used to treat kidney cancer or skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Proleukin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

Tell your doctor right away if you notice 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, inform your doctor if you feel very drowsy during treatment.

You should not be treated with Proleukin if you are allergic to Proleukin 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 Proleukin if you've had any of these side effects while receiving this medicine 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
• an autoimmune disorder such as Crohn's disease, scleroderma, arthritis, myasthenia gravis, or a chronic skin disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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.

Proleukin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• problems with vision, speech, balance, or coordination;
• mood or behavior changes, confusion, agitation, hallucinations;
• seizures (convulsions);
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• a blistering skin rash;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects of Proleukin may include:

• rash;
• chills;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• diarrhea, vomiting, nausea;
• decreased urination;
• abnormal blood tests;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• shortness of breath; or
• confusion.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Proleukin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

You will need daily blood tests, and you may also need chest x-rays.

After 4 weeks off Proleukin, your doctor will determine if you need to be treated again.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, tell the doctor ahead of time if you have recently received Proleukin. Some people treated with this medicine have had unusual allergic reactions to contrast agents used within weeks to several months later.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Proleukin.

Since Proleukin is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, it is unlikely that you will receive too much.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Proleukin can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Using Proleukin with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Many drugs can affect Proleukin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.