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Aldesleukin

Pronounced

"AL-des-LOO-kin"

Common brand names:

Proleukin

Uses

Aldesleukin is used to treat kidney or skin cancer. This medication is the same as a substance that your body normally makes (interleukin-2). In the body, this drug is thought to work by affecting the body's natural defenses (immune system). This effect slows or stops cancer cell growth.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for certain other types of cancer (such as Kaposi's sarcoma, neuroblastoma).

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by injection into a vein over 15 minutes by a health care professional. It may also be given in other ways as directed by your doctor.

This medication is usually given every 8 hours for 5 days in a row. However, your doctor may decide to delay or stop your treatment depending on how you respond to this drug. After this treatment period, you will be given time to rest and recover before getting more of this medication. A course of therapy may include up to 28 doses of this medication. To make sure that you receive each scheduled dose as directed, it is important to keep all of your medical appointments while receiving this medication. Depending on your response, your doctor may decide that a second course would be helpful.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to treatment, and your side effects.