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Denileukin Diftitox (Systemic) +

Contents of this page:

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.--

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

+ Not commercially available in Canada.


Category


Description

Denileukin diftitox (DEN-i-loo-kin DIF-ti-toks) is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of cancer that affects certain white blood cells and causes lesions to develop on the skin.

Denileukin diftitox interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other effects may also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Some effects may occur after treatment with denileukin diftitox.

Denileukin diftitox is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following dosage form(s):


Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For denileukin diftitox, the following should be considered:

Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to denileukin diftitox, diptheria toxin, or interleukin-2. Also tell your health care professional if your are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy--Denileukin diftitox has not been studied in pregnant women. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding--It is not known whether denileukin diftitox passes into human breast milk. However, breast-feeding is not recommended while you are receiving this medicine.

Children--Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of denileukin diftitox in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults--Adverse effects such as anorexia, hypotension, anemia, confusion, rash, nausea, and/or vomiting may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients who may be more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of denileukin diftitox.

Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of denileukin diftitox. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially heart disease.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing--The dose of denileukin diftitox will be different for different patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including your size. Denileukin diftitox usually is given by a doctor or nurse in the hospital or outpatient clinic. If you have any questions about the proper dose of denileukin diftitox, ask your doctor.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Dry, puffy skin; increased heart rate; loss of appetite; weight gain

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Cough; diarrhea; skin rash; sore throat

Less common or rare

Confusion; constipation; indigestion; numbness or tingling of fingers, toes, or face; runny nose; trouble in sleeping

Some side effects of denileukin diftitox may not develop until long after you have received the medicine, sometimes up to two weeks later.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.


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