The Basics
What is Daclizumab?
Used for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Brand names for Daclizumab
Zinbryta
How Daclizumab is classified
Antibodies – Monoclonal (Humanized)
Daclizumab During Pregnancy
Daclizumab pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Daclizumab while pregnant
N/A
Taking Daclizumab While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Daclizumab?
No information is available on the clinical use of daclizumab during breastfeeding. Because daclizumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 144,000, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. Until more data become available, daclizumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Some authors recommend avoiding breastfeeding with daclizumab.[1][2]
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of daclizumab during breastfeeding. Because daclizumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of about 144,000, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. Until more data become available, daclizumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Some authors recommend avoiding breastfeeding with daclizumab.[1][2]
Possible effects of Daclizumab on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Daclizumab
(Multiple Sclerosis) Glatiramer, Immune Globulin, Interferon Beta.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Cree BA. Update on reproductive safety of current and emerging disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2013;19:835-43. PMID: 23319073
2. Almas S, Vance J, Baker T et al. Management of multiple sclerosis in the breastfeeding mother. Mult Scler Int. 2016;2016:6527458. PMID: 26966579
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
