SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, back pain, mild rash/itching, flushing, fever, chills, muscle/joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur during or after the infusion. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen. Your doctor may stop/slow down the infusion, and/or prescribe additional medications to help control these symptoms. Headache, loss of appetite, sweating, or trouble sleeping may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: extreme thirst, very dry mouth, decreased urination, weakness, muscle cramps, swelling ankles/feet, chest pain/tightness, shortness of breath, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, trouble swallowing, fainting, confusion, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs/injection site, numbness/tingling of arms/legs.
Tell your doctor immediately if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: vision changes (e.g., loss of vision).
This medication may cause very serious blood disorders (low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets). This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause your body to bruise or bleed more easily. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving denileukin diftitox, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to diphtheria toxin/vaccines; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart/blood vessel disease, any current infections.
This drug may make you dizzy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.