Uses
Daclizumab injection is used to prevent episodes of symptoms and slow the worsening of disability in people who have relapsing-remitting forms (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS; a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and people may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). Daclizumab is usually used by people who were not helped by at least two other medications for MS. Daclizumab is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It is thought to work by decreasing inflammation and decreasing the action of immune cells that may cause nerve damage.
Side Effects Of Daclizumab Injection
Daclizumab injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- acne
- mouth pain
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section, and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash
- hives
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- new or worsening depression
- changes in mood or behavior
- thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so
- runny nose, coughing, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- difficulty urinating
- pain when urinating
- seizures
Daclizumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using daclizumab injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to daclizumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in daclizumab injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had tuberculosis or if you have an infection. Also, tell your doctor if you have or ever had depression or if you have ever thought about or attempted suicide.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using daclizumab, call your doctor.
- you should know that you may become depressed or suicidal (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so) while you are using daclizumab injection. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression, talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life, or any other unusual changes in behavior or mood. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
- do not have any vaccinations during your treatment with daclizumab or up to 4 months after your final dose without talking to your doctor.
Daclizumab Injection Dosage
Daclizumab comes as a solution (liquid) in a prefilled syringe to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected once a month. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use daclizumab exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You will receive your first dose of daclizumab in your doctor’s office. After that, you can inject daclizumab yourself or have a friend or relative perform the injections. Before you use daclizumab yourself the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it.
You can inject daclizumab in the back of your upper arms, stomach area, or your thighs. Do not inject your medication into skin that is irritated, bruised, reddened, infected, scarred, or tattooed.
Never reuse or share needles or prefilled syringes of medication. Throw away used syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Other
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are using daclizumab injection.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information have been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
