daclizumab Health Article

Generic name(s):

daclizumab

Brand name(s):

Zenapax

What is the most important information I should know about daclizumab?

Because it may cause serious side effects, daclizumab should only be prescribed by a doctor experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and the management of organ transplant patients. Discuss the risks and benefits of using this medication with your doctor.

There may be an increased risk of infection with the use of daclizumab. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever or chills; sore throat, coughing, congestion or other signs of infection; redness, pain, or swelling of a skin wound; or burning or difficult urination.

Treatment with an immunosuppressant such as daclizumab may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

What is daclizumab?

Daclizumab is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease the actions of the body's immune system.

Daclizumab is used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney. Daclizumab is usually used as part of a treatment regimen including other medications.

Daclizumab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using daclizumab?

Because it may cause serious side effects, daclizumab should only be prescribed by a doctor experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and the management of organ transplant patients. Discuss the risks and benefits of using this medication with your doctor.

Before using daclizumab, tell your doctor if you

• have used daclizumab in the past;

• have had a previous allergic reaction to daclizumab;

• have any active or chronic viral, bacterial, or fungal infection; or

• have a suppressed immune system or take medications that may suppress the immune system (e.g., medicines to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ, some cancer medicines, others).

You may not be able to use daclizumab, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Daclizumab is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether daclizumab will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. For women who could become pregnant, contraception is recommended before starting, during, and for four months following treatment with daclizumab to ensure protection from pregnancy. It is not known whether daclizumab passes into breast milk. Do not use daclizumab without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.