Zenapax (Daclizumab) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 21, 2012

Zenapax

Kidney Failure »

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolyte levels in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one on each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

The kidneys have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid, the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and the acid-base balance of the body. They filter waste products of body metabolism, like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. Two waste products in the blood can be measured: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ...

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Zenapax

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Zenapax
(daclizumab)

Sterile Concentrate For Injection

WARNING

Only physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy and management of organ transplant patients should prescribe ZENAPAX (daclizumab). The physician responsible for ZENAPAX (daclizumab) administration should have complete information requisite for the follow-up of the patient. ZENAPAX (daclizumab) should only be administered by healthcare personnel trained in the administration of the drug who have available adequate laboratory and supportive medical resources.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

ZENAPAX (daclizumab) is an immunosuppressive, humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology that binds specifically to the alpha subunit (p55 alpha, CD25, or Tac subunit) of the human high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor that is expressed on the surface of activated lymphocytes.

Daclizumab is a composite of human (90%) and murine (10%) antibody sequences. The human sequences were derived from the constant domains of human IgG1 and the variable framework regions of the Eu myeloma antibody. The murine sequences were derived from the complementarity-determining regions of a murine anti-Tac antibody. The molecular weight predicted from the DNA sequence is 144 kilodaltons.

ZENAPAX (daclizumab) 25 mg/5 mL is supplied as a clear, sterile, colorless concentrate for further dilution and intravenous administration. Each milliliter of ZENAPAX contains 5 mg of daclizumab and 3.6 mg sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, 11 mg sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, 4.6 mg sodium chloride, 0.2 mg polysorbate 80, and may contain hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 6.9. No preservatives are added.

What are the possible side effects of daclizumab (Zenapax)?

There may be an increased risk of infection with the use of daclizumab. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever or chills; sore throat, coughing, congestion or other signs of infection; redness, pain, or swelling of a skin wound; or burning or difficult urination.

Treatment with an immunosuppressant such as daclizumab may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

If you experience a serious...

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What are the precautions when taking daclizumab (Zenapax)?

Before using daclizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: serious infection, cancer.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received polio vaccine by mouth or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.

Since this medication can increase your risk of developing serious infections, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Avoid contact with people who have illnesses that may...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/28/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.