Treats a type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This is a cancer that occurs inside the body, but can cause problems on the skin
Brand Names:
Ontak
Contraindications:
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to denileukin diftitox, diphtheria toxin, or interleukin-2.
Uses:
Injectable
This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are receiving this medicine and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
You will receive this medicine in a hospital or cancer treatment center.
An intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us) or IV injection is given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand, or sometimes in your chest.
A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.
The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for up to 30 minutes.
This medicine is usually given every day for 5 days. This 5-day treatment is given again every 21 days for several months, or until your body responds to the medicine.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or treatment clinic for instructions.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Before receiving this medicine, tell your doctor if you have heart or lung disease.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Aching calf or thigh pain
Chest pain
Dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying down position
