Taking IL-2 and managing its side effects

March 2007     View PDF     En español

Safely dispose of your needles

Your doctor or study personnel should supply you with a hazardous material/sharps disposal container and tell you how to get rid of it. You should not throw used or unused syringes in the trash because the needles can easily pierce the bag and stick other people. Discard syringes, needles, needle caps, and other blood exposed items (gauze pad, etc.) in the container. Do not place needle caps back on the needle. Just put them in the special container.

If you have signs of serious side effects as noted below, contact your doctor immediately:

• You notice that you are making a less than normal amount of urine or if you stop urinating altogether;
• You have shortness of breath;
• A fever of 102°F that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter drugs;
• You experience major changes in mental status, like confusion;
• You faint; or
• You have major swelling in your face, neck and/or feet.