daclizumab Health Article

How should I use daclizumab?

Daclizumab is administered as an intravenous (into the vein) injection. In most cases, your healthcare provider will administer daclizumab in a hospital or clinic setting. If you are using daclizumab at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation, administration, and storage of the medication.

The first dose of daclizumab is usually administered within 24 hours of the kidney transplant. Four additional doses are then given at 14 day intervals following transplantation.

When mixing the solution for injection, the bag should be gently inverted to ensure mixing. Do not shake the mixture.

After mixing the solution for injection, it should be used within 4 hours. If the mixture cannot be used within 4 hours, it should be refrigerated between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius) for up to 24 hours. If it is not used within 24 hours, it must be discarded.

Do not use any solution that is discolored or that has particles in it.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with daclizumab to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store daclizumab as directed by the manufacturer. If you are using daclizumab at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed storage instructions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of daclizumab.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a daclizumab overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using daclizumab?

Daclizumab can lower the activity of the immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of illness or infection.

Talk to your doctor before receiving any vaccines during treatment with daclizumab. Some vaccines may not be effective, or may be harmful, if received during treatment with daclizumab. In addition, avoiding close contact with people who have recently been vaccinated with a "live" vaccine (e.g. oral polio vaccine, nasal influenza vaccine) may be recommended. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are using this medication before having surgery and before starting any other medicines.

What are the possible side effects of daclizumab?

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.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to daclizumab, seek emergency medical attention.

Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to use daclizumab and notify your doctor if you experience

• upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting;

• diarrhea or constipation;

• tremor or dizziness;

• headache; or

• swelling of the hands, feet or legs.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.