DACLIZUMAB (Systemic)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
Another commonly used name is dacliximab.
Category
- Immunosuppressant
- monoclonal antibody
Description
Daclizumab (da-KLIZ-yoo-mab)belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. It is usedto lower the body's natural immunity in patients who receive kidney transplants.
When a patient receives a kidney transplant, the body's white blood cellswill try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted kidney. Daclizumab worksby 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'sability to fight infections.
Daclizumab is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervisionof your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:
Parenteral- Injection (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of receiving the medicine must be weighed against the good it willdo. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For daclizumab, thefollowing should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to daclizumab. Also tell your health care professional ifyou are allergic to any other substances.
Pregnancy?Daclizumab crosses the placenta. However, daclizumabhas not been studied in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding?It is not known if daclizumab passes into breastmilk. Breast-feeding is not recommended for patients receiving daclizumab.
Children?Studies on the use of daclizumab in children havenot been completed. However, daclizumab may cause high blood pressure anddehydration more often in children than it does in adults.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing useof daclizumab in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medical problems may affectthe use of daclizumab. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any othermedical problems, especially:
- Cancer?Daclizumab may make this condition worse
- Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)?Daclizumab can increasethe amount of sugar in the blood
- Infection?Daclizumab may decrease the body's ability to fightinfection
Proper Use of This Medicine
Dosing?The dose of daclizumab will be different for different patients.Your doctor will decide what dose should be used for you based on your bodyweight. The following information includes only the average doses of daclizumab.
- For injection dosage form:
- To prevent kidney transplant rejection:
- Adults or children?1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) (0.45mg per pound) of body weight.
Precautions While Receiving This Medicine
If you are continuing your course of therapy with daclizumab after youare discharged from the hospital, it is very important that your doctor checkyour progress at regular visits. Your doctor will want to do laboratory teststo make sure daclizumab is working properly.
Dental?It is important to maintain good dental hygiene and see adentist regularly for teeth cleaning.
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should use effective contraceptionwhile receiving this medicine.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine maycause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur,if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Other side effects may occurthat usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go awayduring treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check withyour doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Other side effects not listed abovemay also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check withyour doctor.
Developed: 04/03/1998
