Denileukin Diftitox Injection
Why this is used
Denileukin diftitox is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL, a group of cancers of the immune system that first appear as skin rashes) in people whose disease has not improved, has gotten worse, or has come back after taking other medications. Denileukin diftitox is in a class of medications called cytotoxic proteins. It works by killing cancer cells.
How to take it
Denileukin diftitox comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected over 3060 minutes intravenously (into a vein). Denileukin diftitox is administered by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or infusion center. It is usually given once a day for 5 days in a row. This cycle may be repeated every 21 days for up to eight cycles.
Side effects
<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Denileukin diftitox, may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
<ul>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
loss of appetite</li>
<li>
change in ability to taste</li>
<li>
feeling tired</li>
<li>
pain, including back, muscle, or joint pain</li>
<li>
cough</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
weakness</li>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
itching</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any symptoms listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately.Denileukin diftitox may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>
<ul>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
loss of appetite</li>
<li>
change in ability to taste</li>
<li>
feeling tired</li>
<li>
pain, including back, muscle, or joint pain</li>
<li>
cough</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
weakness</li>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
itching</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any symptoms listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately.Denileukin diftitox may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>
Precautions
Before taking denileukin diftitox, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to denileukin diftitox or any of the ingredients in denileukin diftitox. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
<ul>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
fever</li>
<li>
chills</li>
<li>
weakness</li></ul>
<ul>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
fever</li>
<li>
chills</li>
<li>
weakness</li></ul>
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Denileukin Diftitox Injection.