Ontak – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 by Michelle Simmons
http://www.naturalpedia.com/ontak-uses-health-risks-and-side-effects-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Ontak (generic name: denileukin diftitox) is a drug used to treat leukemia and lymphomas, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Its agent, denileukin diftitox, is a designed protein that contains toxins that attach themselves to particular types of malignant cells in the body. The drug works by destroying these malignant cells to hamper the progression of cancer. The drug is administered through injection into a vein by a healthcare professional. It is typically given over at least 15 minutes for five days in a row. The treatment cycle is typically repeated every 21 days.
Ontak should not be used by people who are allergic to any ingredient of the drug, such as diphtheria toxin or interleukin-2. Because some medical conditions may also interact with Ontak, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, is pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal medicine, or dietary supplement, or if you have heart disease or low blood levels of albumin.
In 2014, the marketing of Ontak was discontinued in the U.S.
Known side effects of Ontak
Ontak may cause an infusion reaction within hours or days after receiving the injection. Seek medical help if you have at least one of these symptoms: chills, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, and weakness.
Ontak may also cause an allergic reaction. Get immediate medical help if you have the following signs: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
The common side effects of Ontak include:
- A headache, dizziness, or nervousness
- Mild diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Numbness or tingling, skin itching, or rash
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Weight gain or weight loss
Ontak can also cause the following:
- A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
- Back pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, chest pain or tightness, tight feeling in your throat
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding in the nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum
- Fast heart rate
- Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat
- Permanent changes in vision or ability to see colors
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- Warmth or redness in the face, neck, or chest
Body systems that may be harmed by Ontak
The body systems harmed by Ontak include the respiratory, skeletal, muscular, digestive, nervous, circulatory, cardiovascular, and integumentary systems.
Food items or nutrients that may prevent Ontak’s side effects
The following foods can help treat and prevent muscle pain, one of the possible side effects of Ontak:
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Ginger
- Pomegranates
Treatments, management plans for Ontak’s side effects
The following are treatments for some of the common side effects of Ontak:
- Back pain, one of the common side effects of Ontak can be treated naturally by using essential oils; taking Epsom salt bath; consuming fenugreek, turmeric, ginger, basil leaves, chamomile tea, pineapples, or aloe vera juice; taking a warm shower; using a heating pad or an ice pack.
- Constipation, also a common side effect of Ontak, can be treated with natural remedies such as sesame seeds, molasses, fiber, mint or ginger tea, healthy fats, lemon water, coffee, raisins, prunes, and castor oil.
Where to learn more
Summary
Ontak (generic name: denileukin diftitox) is a drug used to treat leukemia and lymphomas, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Ontak works by destroying malignant cells to hamper the progression of cancer.
Ontak can cause an infusion reaction or an allergic reaction.
Ontak commonly causes a headache, dizziness, or nervousness; mild diarrhea or constipation; nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite; numbness or tingling, skin itching, or rash; runny or stuffy nose; and weight gain or weight loss.
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