Denileukin Diftitox (Systemic)

Brand Names : Ontak

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For denileukin diftitox, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to denileukin diftitox, diptheria toxin, or interleukin-2. Also tell your health care professional if your are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Denileukin diftitox has not been studied in pregnant women. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether denileukin diftitox passes into human breast milk. However, breast-feeding is not recommended while you are receiving this medicine.

Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of denileukin diftitox in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults - Adverse effects such as anorexia, hypotension, anemia, confusion, rash, nausea, and/or vomiting may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients who may be more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of denileukin diftitox.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of denileukin diftitox. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially heart disease.