Interleukin-2 (IL-2, Proleukin)

March 2007     View PDF     En español

The bottom line

Benefits:

• IL-2 shows greater CD4+ cell increases than almost any anti-HIV therapy, particularly when used together with standard anti-HIV therapy.
• Those who have had dramatic and sustained increases end up dosing less frequently (maybe as little as one or two times a year) and retain high CD4+ cell numbers.
• Opportunistic infections have not generally occurred at unusually high CD4+ cell counts, suggesting that IL-2 may preserve or improve the of immune function.

Concerns:

• Side effects associated with IL-2 can be severe.
• IL-2 requires subcutaneous (under the skin) injection or, more rarely, intravenous (in the vein) administration, both of which are invasive.
• Studies to confirm the benefits of IL-2 are ongoing, and it’s currently unknown if IL-2 will slow disease progression or prolong survival.
• IL-2 should not be used by people with other autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease), heart disease or diabetes.
• IL-2 should be used with caution by people taking medicine to lower blood pressure.
• Not everyone taking IL-2 experiences immediate CD4+ cell increases. Especially for those who start therapy with lower CD4+ cell counts, CD4+ cell increases may take up to six months.

How to Get It:

• IL-2 is available through several ongoing studies.
• IL-2 is approved for use in kidney cancer and is available through off label use.
• IL-2 is available through an assistance program for those whose insurance will not cover it and/or for people without third party payer (e.g. insurance) coverage, based on income eligibility. People should call 1-866-385-4729 for more information.