Zinbryta vs. Lemtrada

Zinbryta (daclizumab) and Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) are monoclonal antibodies used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Because of their safety profiles, the use of Zinbryta and Lemtrada should generally be reserved for patients who have had an inadequate response to two or more drugs indicated for the treatment of MS.

Zinbryta and Lemtrada are different types of monoclonal antibodies. Zinbryta is an interleukin-2 receptor blocking antibody and Lemtrada is a recombinant humanized IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody.

Side effects of Zinbryta and Lemtrada that are similar include runny or stuffy nose, upper respiratory tract infection, skin rash (including drug rash), flu symptoms/influenza, mouth pain, sore throat, and fever.

Side effects of Zinbryta that are different from Lemtrada include bronchitis, eczema, swollen lymph nodes, depression, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), anemia, and acne.

Side effects of Lemtrada that are different from Zinbryta include headache, nausea, urinary tract infection (UTI), fatigue, insomnia, herpes viral infection, hives, itching, thyroid gland disorders, fungal infection, joint pain, pain in extremities, back pain, diarrhea, sinus infection, throat pain, numbness or tingling, dizziness, abdominal pain, flushing of the face/neck/chest, vomiting, cough, chills, changes in taste, skin swelling, indigestion, blood in the urine, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, anxiety, weakness, and muscle pain.

Zinbryta may interact with drugs or herbal products that are toxic to the liver.

Lemtrada may also interact with other drugs.

Common side effects of Zinbryta include:

• runny or stuffy nose
• upper respiratory tract infection
• rash, including drug rash
• influenza
• skin rash
• mouth pain
• sore throat
• bronchitis
• eczema
• swollen lymph nodes
• depression
• increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
• acne
• anemia, and
• fever

Less common side effects of Zinbryta include:

• abnormal liver function test,
• decreased lymphocyte count
• diarrhea
• dry skin
• skin redness
• hair bumps (folliculitis)
• increased liver enzymes
• laryngitis
• enlarged lymph nodes
• pneumonia
• itching
• psoriasis
• skin peeling
• toxic skin eruption, and
• viral infection

Common side effects of Lemtrada include:

• rash,
• headache,
• fever,
• runny nose,
• sore throat,
• nasal congestion,
• nausea,
• urinary tract infection,
• fatigue,
• insomnia,
• upper respiratory tract infection,
• herpes viral infection,
• hives,
• itching,
• thyroid gland disorders,
• fungal infection,
• joint pain,
• pain in extremity,
• back pain,
• diarrhea,
• sinus infection,
• mouth and throat pain,
• numbness or tingling, dizziness,
• abdominal pain,
• flushing of the face/neck/chest,
• vomiting,
• cough,
• chills,
• changes in sense of taste,
• flu symptoms,
• skin swelling,
• indigestion,
• blood in the urine,
• shortness of breath,
• fast heart beat,
• anxiety,
• weakness, or
• muscle pain

Zinbryta (daclizumab) injection is an interleukin-2 receptor blocking antibody indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Because of its safety profile, the use of Zinbryta should generally be reserved for patients who have had an inadequate response to two or more drugs indicated for the treatment of MS.

Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) is a recombinant humanized IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Because of its safety profile, the use of Lemtrada should generally be reserved for patients who have had an inadequate response to two or more drugs indicated for the treatment of MS.

Zinbryta may interact with hepatotoxic drugs or herbal products. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking Zinbryta. It is unknown if it would affect a fetus. It is unknown if Zinbryta passes into breast milk or if it would affect a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Lemtrada may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Lemtrada should be used only if prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The recommended dosage of Zinbryta is 150 milligrams once monthly.

The recommended dosage of Lemtrada is 12 mg/day administered by intravenous infusion for 2 treatment courses: First Treatment Course: 12 mg/day on 5 consecutive days (60 mg total dose; Second Treatment Course: 12 mg/day on 3 consecutive days (36 mg total dose) administered 12 months after the first treatment course.