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Daclizumab

Daclizumab is an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ. It is typically used to lower the body’s natural immunity in patients who receive kidney transplants.

Pronunciation

Da KLIZ yoo mab

Precautions

Before using this drug, talk to your doctor about the following precautions:

  • If you can, avoid contact with people with colds or other infections.
  • It is also very important to maintain good dental hygiene and see a dentist regularly for teeth cleaning.

How daclizumab works

Daclizumab works by preventing the white blood cells from getting rid of the transplanted kidney. The effect of daclizumab on the white blood cells may also reduce the body’s ability to fight infections.

Taking daclizumab

Daclizumab is administered by injection only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Common side effects

Although side effects from daclizumab are common, tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • joint pain
  • muscle pain
  • slow wound healing
  • trouble in sleeping

Dangerous side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • chest pain
  • coughing
  • dizziness
  • fever
  • frequent urination
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • rapid heart rate
  • red, tender, oozing skin at incision
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling of the feet or lower legs
  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
  • weakness

Daclizumab and pregnancy

Although daclizumab has not been studied in pregnant women, it is known that daclizumab does cross the placenta.

It is not known whether daclizumab passes into human breast milk. However, because this medicine may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is not recommended while you are receiving it.

Drug interactions

In clinical trials, daclizumab does not appear to interact with other common transplant medicines. However, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, so you can be warned of interactions and prevent them.

Brand names

Zenapax, manufactured by Roche Laboratories Inc.

Reference and Publication Information

This Web site is intended solely for the purpose of electronically providing the public with general health-related information and convenient access to the data resources. UNOS is not affiliated with any one product nor does UNOS assume responsibility for any error, omissions or other discrepancies.


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