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
- Precautions
- How daclizumab works
- Taking daclizumab
- Common side effects
- Dangerous side effects
- Daclizumab and pregnancy
- Drug interactions
- Brand names
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
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