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Aldesleukin
Aldesleukin is prescribed to treat skin and kidney cancer. It is approved for use when the cancer has spread to other areas of the body (metastasized). The drug is administered intravenously by a healthcare provider in a healthcare setting. Although some people do not have problems with this product, side effects are possible and include diarrhea, decreased urination, and vomiting.
Aldesleukin (Proleukin®) is a prescription immunotherapy medication. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. This medication is approved to treat the following types of cancer:
- Metastatic melanoma (skin cancer that has spread to other areas of the body)
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer that has spread to other areas of the body).
(Click What Is Aldesleukin Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
As with other chemotherapy medications, aldesleukin can cause side effects, some of which can be significant. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to help prevent or minimize the side effects associated with this medication.
Common side effects of aldesleukin include but are not limited to:
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Diarrhea
- Decreased urination
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
(Click Aldesleukin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD