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Interleukin-2 (IL-2) For the Treatment of Cancer HF#5567



Description


This is a biologic therapy given for the treatment of cancer.

 

How It Is Given


It is injected into a vein or under skin

 

Common Side Effects

  • Day of treatment
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Skin reaction such as flushing of face and upper chest, this can last 7-10 days after the last dose 
    • Chills
  • Chronic (most symptoms lessen in 48 hours after drug is given)
    • Decreased blood counts
    • Loss of appetite
    • Diarrhea
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fluid retention, weight gain and decreased urine output
    • Dry, itching, flaking skin and rash
    • Flu-like symptoms
    • Low blood pressure

Less Common Side Effects

  • Mouth sores
  • Confusion
  • Hair loss may occur, but is not permanent
  • Visual changes (i.e. blurred vision or tearing of the eyes)

Call Your Health Care Provider if You Develop

  • Fevers not controlled with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) 
  • Ankle swelling
  • Unable to urinate
  • Any severe symptoms

Let you health care provider know

  • Please check with your health care provider before you take any medicines.
  • Certain blood pressure medicines are not to be taken.

Special Concerns

  • Do not take aspirin, corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (i.e. Advil, Motrin®, Naprosyn®, or Nuprin®). 
  • You may take acetaminophen  (Tylenol®). 
  • Keep drug refrigerated until just before use.
  • You may need to be taught to how to mix the drug and give yourself an injection.


The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 09/30/2010

Reproduced with permission from the 1989-2007 United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Printed in 4/2007 by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, Department of Nursing, Madison WI. UWH#5567

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