aldesleukin

Leakage of fluid from small blood vessels (may be severe),
leading to low blood pressure (dizziness , fainting), fluid build-up in body (swelling, difficulty breathing)

• May occur during or shortly after the drug is given

Diarrhea

• May occur days to weeks after the drug is given / after treatment starts.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids. Limit hot, spicy, fried foods, foods/drinks with caffeine, orange or prune juice. Try a low-fiber BRAT diet (Bananas, white Rice, Apple sauce, Toast made with white bread).
• Take anti-diarrhea drug(s) if given to you by your doctor.
• Also see Diarrhea pamphlet.*

Nausea and vomiting

• May occur in hours to days after the dose is given/ after treatment starts.
• Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals. Get fresh air and rest.
• Limit spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell.
• Take anti-nausea drug(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it.
• Contact your doctor if nausea lasts more than 48 hours or vomiting for more than 24 hours.
• Also see Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet.*

Cough, shortness of breath

Rash; dry, itchy skin (may be severe)

• Stay out of the sun; wear sunblock, a hat and cover exposed skin.
• Use daily moisturizer.
• Severe rash may occur on the body/limbs with blistering or peeling of skin:  Get emergency medical help right away if this occurs.

Abnormal liver lab tests (may be severe)

• Your doctor will monitor these regularly.  Call your doctor if you have yellowish skin or eyes, or unusual dark urine.

Unusual bleeding or bruising

You may have black stools, cough up blood, blood in your urine, purple or red dots on your skin or bleeding that will not stop. 

Fever, chills, infection

You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

• 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time OR
• 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.

While you are getting chemotherapy treatments:

• Keep a digital thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills).
• Avoid taking medications that treat a fever before you take your temperature (for example, Tylenol®, acetaminophen, Advil® or ibuprofen) as they may hide a fever.
• Do not eat or drink anything hot or cold right before taking your temperature.
• Wash your hands often.
• Check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, surgeries or visiting your dentist.

If you have a fever, talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room. 
See our Neutropenia (Low white blood cell count) pamphlet for more information.

Effects on the brain
(confusion, dizziness, drowsiness; seizures in rare cases)

Abnormal kidney lab tests

• Your doctor may monitor your kidney function regularly.
• Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have signs of kidney problems such as body swelling, passing little or no urine, or recent unusual weight gain.

Tiredness

• Rest often; take naps if needed. Move slowly when getting up.
• Eat well-balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids. Light exercise may help.
• Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery when feeling tired.

Mouth sores

• Maintain good mouth hygiene. Regular teeth brushing with a soft toothbrush or Toothette®, and regular use of alcohol-free mouthwashes.
• Instead, try a homemade mouthwash: 
  Mix 1 teaspoonful of baking soda and 1 teaspoonful of salt in 4 cups (1L) of water.
• Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, hard or crunchy foods.
• Check with your doctor or nurse as soon as you notice sores in mouth/lips or pain with swallowing. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription mouthwash to relieve mouth sores and prevent infection.
• Also see Mouth Care pamphlet.*

Poor Appetite; don't feel like eating; weight loss

• Eat foods that you like and try to eat regular small meals.
• Use meal supplements if possible.  See a dietitian.

Irregular heartbeat

Lung problems
(increased cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)

Heart problems
(irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, swelling in legs/ankles/belly, shortness of breath)

Bleeding/clotting disorder
(may include bleeding from more than 1 site, bruising, signs of blood clots, kidney/liver/lung problems, fever, confusion)

Allergic reaction (fever, severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness; may occur during or shortly after the drug is given)

Rupture in stomach or intestine wall (sudden, severe pain in belly or stomach area)

Blocked intestines (severe belly pain, bloating, severe constipation)

Tingling, numb fingers and toes

• May slowly return to normal after treatment ends.
• Contact your doctor or nurse if you have trouble doing up buttons, writing, picking up small objects, have pain or trouble with movement.

Pancreas problems
(increased pain in centre of belly and may extend to the back, appetite or weight loss)

Rapid killing of cancer cells when you start treatment may lead to build up of cell waste products

• If mild, this may cause gout, with joint pains, but if severe, may cause fevers, kidney failure, confusion and be life-threatening.
• You MUST take the preventive medicines given by your doctor AND
• Drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses per day) and void (urinate) frequently.

Inflammation of blood vessels in the skin (red or purple patches on the skin, rash/patches that do not turn white when pressed) or in the brain (rare)