Zinbryta, a relatively new medication used to treat multiple sclerosis—has been recalled after the drug was linked with serious side effects, including Zinbryta encephalitis, a type of brain inflammation.

Background of Zinbryta

Zinbryta (also sold under the generic name daclizumab) is a multiple sclerosis drug manufactured by Biogen and AbbVie. Zinbryta is a relatively new addition to the market, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2016 to treat multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have immune systems that attack the myelin coating around the central nervous system. Damage caused by these attacks can disrupt nerve signals to the brain, which can cause significant problems for the patient. Zinbryta is used to treat relapsing MS and counteracts the effects of the disease by binding to immune cells, thus reducing the cell activity of the cells attacking the immune system.

Unfortunately, in just the two years since its release onto the market, Zinbryta became linked with a number of serious complications, including Zinbryta encephalitis.

Zinbryta Encephalitis and Other Side Effects

While any medication will come with certain side effects, patients should be warned of any complications they may face. But patients claim they were not adequately warned of some of the side effects they have suffered after taking Zinbyrta.

One of the most significant side effects associated with this drug is Zinbryta encephalitis, or brain inflammation. Symptoms of Zinbryta encephalitis are often similar to those of the flu, including muscle pain, fatigue, fever, nausea or vomiting, irritability, light sensitivity, headache, seizures, and more.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has investigated 12 reports of major Zinbryta encephalitis. Three of the cases involved in the investigations eventually proved fatal.

Other major Zinbryta side effects include liver failure and injury as well as Stevens Johnson syndrome.

The Zinbryta Recall

After receiving reports from patients over a slew of side effects, including Zinbryta encephalitis, the drug’s manufacturers issued a voluntary recall of their multiple sclerosis drug. Biogen and Abbvie announced the recall on March 2, 2018, saying that they would be removing Zinbryta from the global market because of reports of Zinbryta encephalitis.

The FDA has stated since the voluntary recall that it is now working closely with the manufacturers, Biogen and AbbVie, “to help ensure a well-organized withdrawal from the market in the United States, and to ensure that healthcare professionals have the information they need to carefully transition their patients using Zinbryta to another treatment.” The FDA also cautioned that Zinbryta users shouldn’t stop taking the drug without first consulting their doctor.

Filing a Zinbryta Lawsuit

Have you or someone you love suffered from Zinbryta encephalitis or other major complications like liver failure or Stevens Johnson Syndrome after taking the MS drug? You may be able to pursue litigation and receive compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Zinbryta encephalitis or other complications, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.