denileukin diftitox

Generic Name: denileukin diftitox (de ni LOO kin DIF ti tox)

Brand Names: Ontak

What is denileukin diftitox?

Denileukin diftitox is a designed protein containing toxins that attach themselves to certain types of malignant cells in the body. Denileukin diftitox works by destroying these malignant cells to slow the progression of cancer.

Denileukin diftitox is used to treat leukemia and lymphomas, including cutaneous (of the skin) T-cell lymphoma.

Denileukin diftitox may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about denileukin diftitox?

You should not use denileukin diftitox if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a diphtheria vaccine or to medicines containing interleukin-2 (IL-2).

Denileukin diftitox is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. This medication must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 15 minutes to complete.

You may have a reaction from a denileukin diftitox injection within hours or days after receiving the injection. Call your doctor promptly if you have one or more of these symptoms: fever, chills, weakness, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.

Some patients receiving denileukin diftitox have had permanent changes in their vision or ability to see colors. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk. Tell your doctor if you have any vision changes during your treatment.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using denileukin diftitox?

You should not use denileukin diftitox if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a diphtheria vaccine or to medicines containing interleukin-2 (IL-2).

If you have heart disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether denileukin diftitox will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether denileukin diftitox passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some patients receiving denileukin diftitox have had permanent changes in their vision or ability to see colors. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk. Tell your doctor if you have any vision changes during your treatment.

How should I use denileukin diftitox?

Denileukin diftitox is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. This medication must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 15 minutes to complete. During this time you will be observed for side effects.

Denileukin diftitox is usually given each day for 5 days, followed by 3 weeks off the medication.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis before and during your treatment. Visit your doctor regularly.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your denileukin diftitox injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause severe nausea or vomiting, fever, chills, and extreme weakness.

What should I avoid while receiving denileukin diftitox?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using denileukin diftitox.

Denileukin diftitox side effects

You may have a reaction from a denileukin diftitox injection within hours or days after receiving the injection. Call your doctor promptly if you have one or more of these symptoms: fever, chills, weakness, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  blurred vision, changes in color vision;

  
  


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  swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

  
  


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  easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, cough, flu symptoms;

  
  


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  fast heart rate;

  
  


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  feeling light-headed, fainting;

  
  


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  back pain, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness;

  
  


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  trouble swallowing, tight feeling in your throat; or

  
  


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  warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  headache, dizziness, or nervousness;

  
  


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  numbness or tingling;

  
  


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  runny or stuffy nose;

  
  


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  skin itching or rash;

  
  


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  weight gain or loss;

  
  


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  mild diarrhea or constipation; or

  
  


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  nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Denileukin diftitox Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Lymphoma:

9 mcg/kg/day or 18 mcg/kg/day administered IV over at least 15 minutes for five consecutive days every 21 days.

The duration of therapy has not been determined; however, only 2% of patients who did not exhibit a 25% decrease in tumor burden before the fourth course of therapy subsequently responded.

What other drugs will affect denileukin diftitox?

There may be other drugs that can interact with denileukin diftitox. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More denileukin diftitox resources

• Denileukin diftitox Side Effects (in more detail)
• Denileukin diftitox Dosage
• Denileukin diftitox Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Denileukin diftitox Drug Interactions
• Denileukin diftitox Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Denileukin diftitox - Add your own review/rating

• denileukin diftitox Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Denileukin Diftitox Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Denileukin Diftitox Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Denileukin Diftitox MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Ontak Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare denileukin diftitox with other medications

• Lymphoma

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about denileukin diftitox.

See also: denileukin diftitox side effects (in more detail)