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Proleukin

Proleukin Side Effects

Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOPConnie Zheng, PharmD
Reviewed by Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 1, 2023

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Lower blood pressure (71%)
  • Diarrhea (67%)
  • Producing less urine (63%)
  • Chills (52%)
  • Vomiting (50%)
  • Trouble catching your breath (43%)
  • Rash (42%)
  • Higher bilirubin levels (40%)
  • Low blood cell count (up to 37%)
  • Nausea (35%)
  • Confusion (34%)
  • Higher creatinine levels (33%)
  • Fever (29%)
  • Swelling in the arms, legs, feet (28%)
  • Malaise (27%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Lung congestion or rattling sound
  • Itching
  • Weakness
  • Mouth sores
  • Sleepiness
  • Lower appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Peeling skin

Proleukin serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Capillary leak syndrome: low blood pressure, swelling of body, arms, and legs, diarrhea, thickened blood
  • Severe skin reaction: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin, or red irritated eyes, sores in the mouth, nose, throat, or eyes
  • Serious allergic reactions: trouble breathing, hives, tightness in the throat, dizziness, fast heartbeat, feeling confused, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain
  • Serious infections: fever, tiredness, chills, cough, trouble breathing
  • Liver damage: dark urine, right-sided stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
  • Kidney problems: blood in the urine, painful urination, dark urine, not producing any urine

Source: DailyMed

The following Proleukin side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Agitation

confusion

diarrhea

dizziness

drowsiness

fever or chills

mental depression

nausea and vomiting

shortness of breath

sores in the mouth and on lips

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual decrease in urination

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight gain of 5 to 10 pounds or more

Less common

Bloating and stomach pain

blurred or double vision

faintness

fast or irregular heartbeat

loss of taste

rapid breathing

redness, swelling, and soreness of the tongue

trouble with speaking

yellow eyes and skin

Rare

Changes in menstrual periods

clumsiness

coldness

convulsions (seizures)

listlessness

muscle aches

pain or redness at injection site

sudden inability to move

swelling in the front of the neck

swelling of the feet or lower legs

weakness

Less common

Black, tarry stools

blisters on the skin

blood in the urine

bloody vomit

chest pain

cough or hoarseness

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

stomach pain (severe)

unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Dry skin

loss of appetite

skin rash or redness with burning or itching, followed by peeling

unusual feeling of discomfort or illness

Less common

Constipation

headache

joint pain

muscle pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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