Denileukin Diftitox, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); chemotherapy

Generic and brand names: denileukin diftitox, injection; Ontak

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (through a needle into a large vein) to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (a form of skin cancer). It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine or to the diphtheria vaccine
• heart problems

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

You will receive these infusions for 5 days in a row every 21 days. The number of 21-day cycles you need depends on your response to this medicine.

This medicine is given by a healthcare provider. You may need to stay in a hospital for the first cycle so that you can be monitored.

Your healthcare provider may tell you to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for any flulike symptoms that may occur when you receive this medicine. You can buy these products without a prescription.

What should I watch out for?

Your healthcare provider will order blood tests and will check your weight and blood pressure for any drastic changes. If you have any vision problems, including loss of color vision, contact your provider immediately. If you are not staying in the hospital, keep all your appointment for checkups and tests.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections and avoid crowds. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

This medicine can cause changes in your eyes. Have eye exams at least once a year while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fast or abnormal heartbeat; chest pain; infection; wheezing; shortness of breath; back pain; fainting; low blood pressure; swelling in legs, feet or ankles, or any unexplained swelling; vision problems including loss of color vision. Most serious side effects are found through lab tests.

Other: Dizziness; nervousness; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; diarrhea; constipation; fever; chills; trouble sleeping; headache; body aches; redness, pain, or burning at infusion site; numbness or tingling in your hands, arms or legs.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.