Interleukin-2
Trade Names:
Aldesleukin, Proleukin
Type of Drug:
Interleukin-2 is a protein cytokine that belongs to a general class of synthetic substances called biologic response modifiers. It is used to treat advanced renal cell cancer and malignant melanoma.
How Drug Works:
Interleukin-2 is similar to a substance made naturally by the body's immune system. This drug fights against cancer cells, and stimulates the body's immune system to work better.
How Drug Is Given:
Interleukin-2 is given by an injection under the skin, in the vein over 15 minutes, or as a continuous infusion for 24 hours. The dose depends on your weight, the type of cancer being treated, and how well you tolerate it.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives ("the pill") without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine"prescription or nonprescription"without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
Interleukin-2 can lower your blood counts (red blood cells and platelets). Your doctor will check your blood counts before and after each treatment to see how it affects your blood counts. Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions if your blood counts are low.
Interleukin-2 can decrease your red blood cell count. This can increase your risk of anemia. If severe, this can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
Interleukin-2 can decrease your platelet count. This can increase your risk of bleeding. DO NOT take any aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines. Report unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools.
A syndrome can occur where fluid leaks out of the small blood vessels in the body. This may lead to decreased blood pressure, swelling in abdomen or lungs, and difficulty breathing. Tell your nurse or doctor right away if you get shortness of breath, cough up pink and frothy sputum, stop urinating, or have confusion or irritability. Your doctor will give you medicine to help decrease the chance that these side effects will happen. Also, your doctor or nurse will give you more instructions and watch you closely.
While you are being treated with interleukin-2, and after you stop treatment, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's okay. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently taken the oral polio vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Fever and chills
  • Decreased red blood cell count with increased risk of anemia and tiredness (fatigue)
  • Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Abnormal results on kidney function blood tests
  • Abnormal results on liver function blood tests
  • Irritability
  • Low blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased urine output
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Chest pain
  • Heart attack
Less Common Side Effects
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
  • Disorientation
  • Sleeping problems
  • Sores in mouth or on lips
  • Impaired memory
  • Difficulty talking
  • Kidney damage
Rare Side Effects
  • Severe difficulty breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fluid in the lungs
  • Peeling of skin on hands and/or feet
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Most patients get fever and chills 1 to 4 hours after the drug is given. Talk to your doctor or nurse for ways to lessen this side effect.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have breathing difficulties, cough up blood or pink sputum, vomit blood, have blood when you move your bowels, or have black, tarry stools.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.