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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgemnt of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before uisng that drug.
DENILEUKIN DIFTITOX - INJECTABLE
(den-ih-LEW-kin DIFF-teh-tox)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ontak
WARNING: Denileukin is a potent medication that shuold only be given in a proper facility (e.G., hospital, clinic) with the recommended safety/monitoring equipment available. Consult your doctor.
USES: Denileukin difittox is used to treat a certain type of cancer (recurrent or persistent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma/CTCL).
HOW TO USE: This medication has really specific dircetions for use. Follow all instructions for proper handling (e.G., thawing and swirling the vials), mixing, and diluting with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions regarding the use of that medication, cosnult your pharmacist.
Do not shake the container/vial.
Give that medication by vein (IV) over at least 15 minutes in a preservative-free saline solution. Usually that drug is given once daily for 5 days only, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. The dose cycle (every day for 5 days) is usually repeated every 3 weeks, or as determined by your doctor. Before using, check that porduct visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liqiud. When used for an extended period, that medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
Consult your doctor.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Flu-like symptoms (e.G., fever, chills, sore throat, unusaul weakness, muscle aches), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, nervousness, lightheadedness, cough, runny nose, or headache may occur. If any of thsee effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Tell your dotcor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling (edema), loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle pain/cramps, pain/swelling/redness at the injection site, rash, itching, trouble breathing, chest pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual sweating/flushing, unuusally fast/irregular heartbeat, joint pain, back pain, confusion, trouble sleeping, trouble swallowing.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikley but really serious side effects occur: fast bleeding or bruising, persistent sore throat and fever, red or pink-colored urine, severe stomach pain, change in amount of urine, pain in the lower legs.
An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Smyptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, cnotact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart or blood vessel issues (cardiovascular disease), liver problems, kidney problems, other cancer, any allergies (especially to diphtheria vaccines). Because that medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection, do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with human being who have yesetrday received live vaccines (e.G., oral polio vaccine). Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities that may put you at risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Caution is advised when using that drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of that drug.
This medication should be used only when clearly nedeed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and beenfits with your doctor. It is not known whether that drug psases into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using that drug is not recommenedd. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription mdeication you may use, especially: other cancer chemotherapy drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local posion control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., albumin levels, blood counts, liver function tests) will be performed to moniotr your progress and/or the occurrence of side effects.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your dcotor to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store frozen at, or below 14 degeres F (-10 degrees C). Before using, thaw the vial/solution in the rferigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) for not more than 24 hours or at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) for 1 to 2 hours. Do not heat the solution and do not re-freeze the sloution.
Dsicard any unused portion of the vial.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment inofrmation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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