daclizumab

Daclizumab is used to prevent rejection of a kidney transplant. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new kidney as if it were your own. This medication is a monoclonal antibody and belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. It is used in combination with other immunosuppressant drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, corticosteroids such as prednisone).

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. This medication is given over 15 minutes, usually every 14 days for a total of 5 doses, with the first dose given within 24 hours before transplantation, or as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions about the use of this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

See also Side Effects section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. It is recommended that you attend a transplant education class or support group. Learn the signs of organ rejection such as tenderness around the transplanted organ, a feeling of being ill, or fever. Signs of a failing kidney transplant include a decrease in the amount of urine, swelling arms/legs/face, trouble breathing, or increase in blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using daclizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: serious infection, cancer. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received polio vaccine by mouth or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Since this medication can increase your risk of developing serious infections, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Avoid contact with people who have illnesses that may spread to others (e.g., flu, chickenpox). Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially diarrhea, vomiting, infection, and worsening high blood pressure. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially infection. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is recommended that women of childbearing age should use effective birth control before, during, and for 4 months after completion of treatment with this medication. Talk to your doctor about reliable forms of birth control. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea may commonly occur during treatment with daclizumab. However, these side effects are probably caused by other drugs you are taking at the same time (e.g., cyclosporine, corticosteroids). If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: redness/pain/swelling at the injection site. This medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection. Use of drugs that weaken the immune system may also infrequently increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma) years after treatment. Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs of these problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following signs: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough, painful urination), poor wound healing, unusual growths/lumps, swollen glands (e.g., on the neck, in the armpits), unexplained weight loss, night sweats, easy bruising/bleeding, abdominal pain/swelling, unusual tiredness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, chest pain, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, increased sweating. In a heart transplant study, use of daclizumab in combination with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids may have infrequently caused an increased risk of serious (sometimes fatal) reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.