Ontak (Denileukin Diftitox) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Ontak

Cancer »

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Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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Ontak

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Ontak Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

DENILEUKIN DIFTITOX - INJECTION

(den-ih-LEW-kin DIFF-teh-tox)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ontak

WARNING: Unlikely but very serious (possibly fatal) side effects may occur during treatment with denileukin diftitox. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any unusual symptoms during the infusion (see Side Effects section). Also tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, sudden weight gain, swelling ankles/feet, or vision changes (e.g., loss of vision/color vision).

USES: Denileukin diftitox is used to treat a certain type of cancer (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, also known as CTCL) in patients whose cancer keeps returning or in patients who have not responded to other cancer chemotherapy treatment. It works by killing certain blood/cancer cells from your immune system (e.g., B cells, T cells).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional.

Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. This medication is usually given over at least 15 minutes for 5 days in a row. This treatment cycle is usually repeated every 21 days or as directed by your doctor.