DACLIZUMAB - INJECTION (dack-LIZ-you-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zenapax

USES:
This medication is used to prevent organ rejection in patients receiving kidney transplants. This drug is used in combination with other drugs (e.g., cyclosporine and steroids).

OTHER USES:
This drug may also be used for other types of organ transplants.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION:
This medication is given by injection into a vein (IV) after proper dilution in a saline solution. The dose is given over a 15 minute period, every 14 days for a total of 5 doses, beginning no more than 24 hours before transplantation. Review all the preparation and administration instructions in the product package and ask your doctor or pharmacist if any information is unclear. Do not use if solution is cloudy or colored. Do not shake the vial. This medication should be given by a health care professional.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly:
stomach pain, headache, dizziness, chest pain, arm or leg swelling, trouble breathing, coughing, sore throat, fever, poor wound healing, bleeding, muscle pain, increased thirst or hunger, cloudiness or unusual change in amount of urine. Unlikely but report promptly:
bloody urine or stools, weakness, leg cramps, increased sweating, mood/mental changes, arthritis pain, pain at the site of injection. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including:
allergies (especially drug allergies), heart or lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, serious infection. Limit alcohol intake as it may enhance certain side effects of this medication. Since this drug may cause dizziness, use extreme caution if operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks (e.g., driving). It is recommended that women of childbearing age should use effective birth control before, during, and for 4 months following the use of this product. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of:
steroids (e.g., prednisone), other immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, mycophenolate, azathioprine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others. Monitoring, including laboratory tests, is performed during use of this drug.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule promptly.

STORAGE:
Vials should be refrigerated between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. Do not shake or freeze. Diluted medication is stable for 24 hours at 39 degrees F (4 degrees C), or for 4 hours at room temperature. Discard any unused portion of the vial.

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Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.