How to Take Aldesleukin

Take Aldesleukin exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Aldesleukin is generally available in market in the form of liquid as well as in solid form. Aldesleukin administration should be withheld in patients developing moderate to severe lethargy or somnolence; continued administration may result in coma. If considering retreatment, review patient history for any previous toxicity to aldesleukin that would contraindicate further treatment: sustained ventricular tachycardia; uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias; chest pain with ECG changes consistent with angina or MI; intubation for greater than 72 hr; cardiac tamponade; renal dysfunction requiring dialysis for greater than 72 hr; coma or toxic psychosis lasting more than 48 hr; repetitive or difficult to control seizures; bowel ischemia or perforation; GI bleeding requiring surgery.

Contraindications for Aldesleukin Drug

Hypersensitivity to interleukin-2 or any component of the formulation; abnormal thallium stress test or pulmonary function tests; organ allografts; retreatment in patients experiencing CLS toxicities during initial therapy.

Interactions of Aldesleukin with other drugs

Beta-blockers and other antihypertensives: May exacerbate aldesleukin-induced hypotension.

Cardiotoxic drugs (eg, doxorubicin): May exacerbate aldesleukin cardiotoxicity.

CNS depressants (eg, narcotics, analgesics, alcohol, antiemetics, benzodiazepines, sedatives, tranquilizers): May exacerbate aldesleukin CNS adverse effects.

Corticosteroids: May reduce the antineoplastic effect of aldesleukin.

Hepatotoxic drugs (eg, methotrexate, asparaginase): May exacerbate aldesleukin hepatotoxicity.

Myelotoxic drugs (eg, cytotoxic chemotherapy): May exacerbate aldesleukin myelotoxicity.

Nephrotoxic drugs (eg, aminoglycosides, NSAIDs): May exacerbate aldesleukin nephrotoxicity.

Protease inhibitors (eg, indinavir): Protease inhibitor levels may be elevated, increasing risk of toxicity.

What are the Side Effects of Aldesleukin -

Like other medicines, Aldesleukin can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Aldesleukin include

* Rash (42%); pruritus (24%); exfoliative dermatitis (18%); cellulitis, injection-site necrosis, urticaria (postmarketing).

* Diarrhea (67%); vomiting (50%); nausea (35%); stomatitis (22%); anorexia (20%); abdominal pain (11%); enlarged abdomen (10%); bowel necrosis, duodenal ulceration, tracheo-esophageal fistula, bloody diarrhea, GI hemorrhage, hematemesis, intestinal perforation, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting, pancreatitis (less than 1%); cholecystitis, colitis, gastritis, intestinal obstruction (postmarketing).

* Oliguria (63%); anuria (5%); acute kidney failure (1%); abnormal kidney function, acute tubular necrosis, increased BUN, kidney failure, hyperuricemia (less than 1%).

* Dyspnea (43%); lung disorder (including, pulmonary congestion, rales, rhonchi [24%]); respiratory disorder (including, ARDS, chest x-ray infiltrates, unspecified pulmonary changes), increased cough (11%); rhinitis (10%); apnea (1%); pulmonary edema, pulmonary emboli, asthma, hemoptysis, hyperventilation, hypoventilation, hypoxia, pneumothorax, respiratory acidosis, respiratory arrest, respiratory failure (less than 1%); pneumonia (bacterial, fungal, viral [postmarketing]).

* Chills (52%); fever (29%); malaise (27%); asthenia (23%); infection (13%); pain (12%); sepsis (1%); anaphylaxis, hyperthyroidism, retroperitoneal hemorrhage (postmarketing).

Warnings and precautions before taking Aldesleukin :

* Therapy with aldesleukin for injection should be restricted to patients with normal cardiac and pulmonary functions.

* The safety and efficay of Aldesleukin medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents.

* Aldesleukin should be administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer agents. An intensive care facility and specialists skilled in cardiopulmonary or intensive care medicine must be available.

* Aldesleukin administration has been associated with CLS. CLS results in hypotension and reduced organ perfusion which may be severe and can result in death. CLS may be associated with cardiac arrhythmias (supraventricular and ventricular), angina, MI, respiratory insufficiency requiring intubation, GI bleeding or infarction, renal insufficiency, edema, and mental status changes.

* Advise women before using Aldesleukin to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Aldesleukin. Insulin is recommended to maintain blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Prolonged severe neonatal hypoglycemia can occur if sulfonylureas are administered at time of delivery.

* Aldesleukin treatment is associated with impaired neutrophil function (reduced chemotaxis) and with an increased risk of disseminated infection, including sepsis and bacterial endocarditis. Treat pre-existing infections prior to initiation of therapy.

What if Overdose of Aldesleukin ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Aldesleukin , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Tremor, palpitations, tachycardia, elevated BP, seizures are may be the overdose symptoms of Aldesleukin.

What if Missed Dose of Aldesleukin ?

If you miss a dose of Aldesleukin medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Aldesleukin :

Store unopened vials, reconstituted and diluted solutions in refrigerator (36° to 46°F). Do not freeze. Administer within 48 hr of reconstitution. Bring refrigerated solution to room temperature prior to infusion. Discard solution if not used within 48 hr.

By: ashu