What is leukine?

What does “leukine” usually refer to?

“Leukine” is a brand name that commonly refers to a form of a white-blood-cell growth factor called interleukin‑11 (IL‑11) [1]. IL‑11 is used in medicine to help support blood cell production, particularly in certain blood-related treatment settings [1].

What is leukine (interleukin‑11) used for?

IL‑11 (leukine) is used to help reduce the risk of low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) in people receiving specific cancer treatments, such as after chemotherapy or in related clinical contexts where platelet recovery is needed [1].

How does IL‑11 (leukine) work?

IL‑11 signals bone marrow cells to help drive blood cell production, which can support platelet recovery [1].

Are there other meanings of “leukine”?

Yes—outside of the IL‑11 brand name, “leukine” can also appear in scientific naming as part of other terms (for example, names of proteins or related lab references). Most consumers and patients, though, encounter “Leukine” as the IL‑11 brand [1].

Sources

[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=010097