What are the side effects of Daclizumab?

Daclizumab, commonly known under the brand names Zinbryta, is a monoclonal antibody that was primarily used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. Although it has been withdrawn from the market due to its potential risks, it is important to understand the side effects associated with its use for educational and historical reference.

One of the primary concerns with Daclizumab is its potential to cause severe liver damage. Serious cases of liver injury, including autoimmune hepatitis and liver failure, have been reported. Some of these cases were fatal or required liver transplantation. Liver function tests were essential for anyone undergoing treatment with Daclizumab to monitor for signs of liver damage.

In addition to liver-related side effects, Daclizumab also posed risks of serious infections. These included but were not limited to tuberculosis, herpes infections, and other opportunistic infections. The immune-modulating effects of Daclizumab could weaken the body's ability to fight off these infections, making patients more susceptible.

Autoimmune conditions were another significant concern. Apart from autoimmune hepatitis, patients on Daclizumab could develop other autoimmune disorders such as thyroiditis, hemolytic anemia, and colitis. These conditions could be challenging to manage and might require additional medications or interventions.

Serious skin reactions were also a potential risk. Some patients developed severe skin rashes, including conditions like erythema multiforme and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which are potentially life-threatening.

Neurological side effects were reported as well. Some patients experienced encephalitis and meningoencephalitis, which involve inflammation of the brain and its surrounding tissues. These conditions could present with symptoms such as severe headache, fever, confusion, and neck stiffness, and might require hospitalization for treatment.

Other common side effects included upper respiratory infections, depression, rash, and elevated liver enzymes, which were indicative of liver stress or damage. Less common but still notable side effects included gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting, as well as musculoskeletal pain.

Due to the severity of these potential side effects, Daclizumab was generally considered only for patients who had not responded to or could not tolerate other MS therapies. Its use required regular monitoring by healthcare professionals, and patients needed to be fully informed of the risks before starting treatment.

In conclusion, while Daclizumab offered a treatment option for multiple sclerosis, its potential for serious and life-threatening side effects led to its market withdrawal. Understanding the spectrum of these side effects is crucial for both healthcare providers and patients in making informed decisions about MS treatment options.