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Uses

What is Lymphir used for?

Lymphir (denileukin diftitox-cxdl) is commonly used to treat a certain type of skin cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Lymphir may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Lymphir work (mechanism of action)?

Lymphir targets a certain receptor called IL-2 receptor that is found on cancer cells and immune system cells. It works by helping your immune system target and kill cancer cells.

How is Lymphir supplied (dosage forms)?

Lymphir is available in an injectable dosage form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Lymphir?

Lymphir is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Lymphir?

The most common side effects of Lymphir are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Fluid retention
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Rash
  • Chills
  • Constipation
  • Fever
  • Capillary leak syndrome (see below)
  • Liver damage (see below)

There may be other side effects of Lymphir that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Lymphir?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Lymphir are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lymphir may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Lymphir and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Lymphir can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever or chills
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Tiredness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Hives

Capillary Leak Syndrome. Lymphir may cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), where protein and fluid leak out of your blood vessels into your body tissues. CLS can be serious or life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of CLS.

  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Fluid retention
  • Weight gain
  • Shortness of breath

Vision Problems. Lymphir may cause vision problems, which can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of vision problems.

  • Vision changes or loss of vision
  • Changes in color vision
  • Blurred vision

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Lymphir. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Lymphir?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Lymphir.

  • Lymphir
  • Denileukin diftitox-cxdl
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lymphir.

What should I know about Lymphir before using it?

Lymphir is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an infusion through a needle your healthcare provider places into your vein. Your healthcare provider will store and give you the medicine.

Your healthcare provider may instruct you to take certain medicines before you receive Lymphir infusions. These medicines can help to prevent infusion-related side effects. 

Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before, during, or after your Lymphir infusions to check for certain side effects. Keep all of your appointments to have your blood checked. Your healthcare provider may need to lower your dose or stop Lymphir based on the results.

Your healthcare provider should also ask you to weigh yourself daily. Tell your healthcare provider if you gain any weight, as it could be a symptom of Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS). See the Side Effects section for more details. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Lymphir?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Lymphir is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Lymphir may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider should verify you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using Lymphir and for 7 days after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth control options. If you become pregnant, stop using Lymphir right away and contact your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during or for 7 days after your last dose of Lymphir. It is not known if Lymphir passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Lymphir?

For more information about Lymphir, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.citiuspharma.com or call them at 844-459-6744.

Interactions

Does Lymphir interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Lymphir and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lymphir.

Does Lymphir interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Lymphir and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lymphir?

If you or someone else has used too much Lymphir, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lymphir?

Lymphir is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Lymphir as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Lymphir dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.