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Daclizumab injection

Daclizumab is a medication that decreases the number of flare-ups caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). MS affects your central nervous system and damages nerves that send messages from your brain to other parts of your body. A healthcare provider will teach you how to prepare and give yourself this injection as directed.

What is this medication?

DACLIZUMAB (da KLIZ yoo mab) works in the body's immune system. It treats multiple sclerosis. It can decrease the number of flare-ups. This medicine is not a cure. It may also be used to prevent transplant organ rejection.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zenapax, ZINBRYTA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • breast cancer
  • cancer

infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

  • infections in the bladder, kidneys, or urinary tract
  • immune system problems
  • liver disease
  • receiving corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone
  • recently received or schedule to receive a vaccine
  • skin conditions or sensitivity
  • suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

an unusual or allergic reaction to daclizumab, mouse proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

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If you take this medicine to prevent transplant organ rejection, it will be given to you by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 11 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it a soon as you can, but no more than 2 weeks late. After 2 weeks, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular scheduled time.

What may interact with this medication?

•Live virus vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Call your doctor or health care professional if you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine. Do not treat yourself. This medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infection.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing problems
  • changes in vision
  • chest pain or chest tightness
  • lump or swelling on the neck
  • seizures
  • signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
  • signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
  • swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
  • unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
  • trouble sleeping

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This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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