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What are the side effects of IL-2 therapy?
IL-2 therapy can cause a number of side effects including: low blood pressure, fevers, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, infection, chills, swelling and weight gain, confusion, skin rashes, and changes in your liver and blood chemistries.
Fortunately, they can prevent and treat these side effects as they arise. A couple of hours before your treatment begins, you will begin taking three medications to help prepare your body and reduce your chance of developing fevers, chills, and nausea. During the course of your hospital stay you will receive antibiotics to prevent you from acquiring any infections. If you experience low blood pressure, they will administer fluids or medications to raise your pressure and make you feel more comfortable. Medications are also available to reduce skin rashes and prevent itching.
How many doses of IL-2 will I receive?
In general, you will receive as many doses of IL-2 as you can safely tolerate—up to a maximum of 15 doses over the period of your stay. Doses are given approximately every 8 hours and each dose takes around 15 minutes to administer. A nurse will draw your blood every morning and the medical staff will evaluate your status throughout the day. During treatment other medications and fluids can be given through the PICC line.You will receive 2 cycles of IL-2 therapy given 3 weeks apart. Each cycle consists of about 5-7 days of in-hospital treatment. A CT (computed tomography) scan is taken 4 weeks after the completion of the first course (2 cycles). If the scan shows a response to the therapy, your physician may recommend that you come back for additional courses.
I am at the stage where I have to wait 4 weeks to have a CT scan done. So, I’ll be home for Christmas.
Take Care
Jimmy B.
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