Daclizumab injection

What is this medicine?

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.

How should I use this medicine?

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.

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

• Live virus vaccines

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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.