Denileukin Diftitox Injection

Conditions Treated

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.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Denileukin diftitox, may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• change in ability to taste
• feeling tired
• pain, including back, muscle, or joint pain
• cough
• headache
• weakness
• rash
• itching

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 http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Denileukin diftitox comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected over 30–60 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.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

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.