Aldesleukin

(al des LOO kin)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may cause very low blood pressure and harm to your child's organs. Tell your child's doctor if your child has any heart or lung disease.
• Very bad infections have happened in patients who take this drug. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your child's doctor right away if your child feels very sleepy or weak.
• Closely read the part in this leaflet which lists when to call your child's doctor. Your child will be closely watched by the doctor.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to aldesleukin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems with this drug in the past: Bleeding from the stomach or bowel, coma, dialysis, a fast or not normal heartbeat, heart disease, hole in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract, lung disease, organ transplant, or seizures.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat leukemia.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• It is given into a vein for a period of time.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• If your child has an immune or inflammatory disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has liver disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child is having an x-ray or scan with dye, talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before your child gets any vaccines. Use with this drug may either raise the chance of very bad infection or make the vaccine not work as well.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Your child may have more chance of getting infections. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Feeling sleepy, tired or weak, or not thinking clearly. Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for him/her to be alert until you see how this drug affects him/her.
• Feeling dizzy. Have your child get up slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Have your child be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Low blood pressure.
• Belly pain.
• Cough.
• Weight gain.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Loss of eyesight. This can be long-lasting.
• Anemia or low platelet count may rarely happen. This drug may need to be stopped.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried or if any of the unwanted side effects happen after your child is given this drug.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows any signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color or sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
• If your child has chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• If your child has very bad dizziness or passing out.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has a change in thinking clearly and with logic.
• If your child has swelling in his/her legs or belly.
• If your child has a big weight gain.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child is not able to pass urine.
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child is not able to eat.
• If your child has yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

All content copyright © 1978-2013 Lexi-Comp Inc. or its respective owners. All Rights Reserved.