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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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).
Before using denileukin diftitox, tell your doctor if you have heart disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether denileukin diftitox is 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 take 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 of denileukin diftitox?
Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
Where can I get more information about denileukin diftitox?
Your pharmacist has information about denileukin diftitox written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of denileukin diftitox?
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.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
blurred vision, changes in color vision;
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fever, chills, body aches, cough, flu symptoms;
fast heart rate;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
back pain, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness;
trouble swallowing, tight feeling in your throat; or
warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest.
Less serious side effects may include:
headache, dizziness, or nervousness;
numbness or tingling;
runny or stuffy nose;
skin itching or rash;
weight gain or loss;
mild diarrhea or constipation; or
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
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.
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 should I avoid while taking denileukin diftitox?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while
you are using denileukin diftitox.
What other drugs will affect denileukin diftitox?
There may be other drugs that can interact with denileukin diftitox. Tell your doctor about all
the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of denileukin diftitox?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009