Daclizumab
Daclizumab (Zenapax)
Daclizumab
(dah- KLIZ-you-mab)
Pregnancy Category: C Zenapax (Rx)

Classification: Immunosuppressive drug

Action/Kinetics: Humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology. As an antagonist, it binds to the alpha subunit (Tac subunit) of the human high affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor found on the surface of activated lymphocytes. This results in inhibition of IL-2 mediated activation of lymphocytes, a critical pathway in the cellular immune response involved in allograft rejection. t 1/2, terminal: Estimated to be 20 days.

Uses: Prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in renal transplants. Used with cyclosporine and corticosteroids.

Contraindications: Lactation.

Special Concerns: Increased risk for developing lymphoproliferative disorders and opportunistic infections. Use with caution in geriatric clients. Adequate studies have not been performed in children.

Side Effects: Incidence of 2% or more is reported. GI: Constipation, N&V;, abdominal pain, pyrosis, dyspepsia, abdominal distention, epigastric pain, flatulence, gastritis, hemorrhoids. CNS: Tremor, headache, dizziness, prickly sensation, depression, anxiety. CV: Hypertension, hypotension, aggravated hypertension, tachycardia, thrombosis, bleeding. Respiratory: Dyspnea, pulmonary edema, coughing atelectasis, congestion, pharyngitis, rhinitis, hypoxia, rales, abnormal breathing sounds, pleural effusion. GU: Oliguria, dysuria, renal tubular necrosis, renal damage, hydronephrosis, urinary tract bleeding, urinary tract disorder, renal insufficiency, urinary retention. Dermatologic: Impaired wound healing without infection, acne, pruritus, hirsutism, rash, night sweats, increased sweating. Musculoskeletal: Musculoskeletal pain, back pain, arthralgia, leg cramps, myalgia. Body as a whole: Post-traumatic pain, chest pain, fever, pain, fatigue, insomnia, lymphocele, shivering, general weakness, injection site reaction, infections. Metabolic: Peripheral edema, edema, fluid overload, diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia. Miscellaneous: Blurred vision.

Drug Interactions: Do not give echinacea with daclizumab.

How Supplied: Injection concentrate: 5 mg/mL, 25 mg/5mL

Dosage
?IV Prevent kidney transplant rejection.
1 mg/kg q 14 days for total of five doses. Regimen also includes cyclosporine and corticosteroids.