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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 other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Denileukin diftitox is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a hospital or clinic setting. The injection normally takes about 15 minutes or longer. During this time you will be observed for 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.

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?

Before using denileukin diftitox, tell your doctor if you have heart disease.

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 given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a hospital or clinic setting. The injection normally takes about 15 minutes or longer. During this time you will be observed for side effects.

Denileukin diftitox is usually given each day for five days, followed by three 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. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a denileukin diftitox overdose may include severe nausea or vomiting, fever, chills, and extreme weakness.

What should I avoid while receiving denileukin diftitox?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using denileukin diftitox unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

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.

• blurred vision, changes in color vision;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

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

• fast heart rate;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• back pain, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness;

• trouble swallowing, tight feeling in your throat; or

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

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• headache, dizziness, or nervousness;

• numbness or tingling;

• runny or stuffy nose;

• skin itching or rash;

• weight gain or loss;

• mild diarrhea or constipation; or

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

What other drugs will affect denileukin diftitox?

There may be other drugs that can affect denileukin diftitox. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about denileukin diftitox written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Denileukin diftitox is available with a prescription under the brand name Ontak. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.