Interleukin-2 (IL-2, Proleukin)

March 2007     View PDF     En español

Where to get it?

Treating HIV disease with IL-2 is experimental. It’s available through several ongoing studies. For more information about the US sites, call 1-800-TRIALS-A or visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Because it’s already FDA-approved for treating cancer, some doctors prescribe IL-2 for off-label use (giving a drug for purposes other than what it was approved). Insurance companies don’t always pay for off-label use and IL-2 can be quite expensive. It should be used only under close doctor supervision, and blood should be checked for liver and kidney toxicity and lab abnormalities. For more information on the assistance program, call 1-866-385-4729.