The relatively new multiple sclerosis drug Zinbryta, approved just two years ago, has been recalled after it was linked with serious side effects like Zinbryta encephalopathy, a kind of brain inflammation.

If you or someone you love has suffered from Zinbryta encephalopathy after use of the MS drug, you may be able to pursue litigation.

Basics of Zinbryta

Zinbryta (also known by its generic name, daclizumab) is manufactured by Biogen and AbbVie, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 27, 2016.

When a person has multiple sclerosis (MS), their immune system attacks and damages the myelin coating that surrounds and protects the central nervous system, which can disrupt nerve signals to the brain, causing a slew of side effects. Zinbryta is a drug used to treat relapsing MS, working to counteract the effects of the disease by binding to immune cells, reducing the cell activity of the attacking cells.

Unfortunately, Zinbryta has been associated with a number of serious side effects.

Zinbryta Encephalopathy and Other Side Effects

One of the most significant side effects associated with this drug is Zinbryta encephalopathy, or brain inflammation. Symptoms of Zinbryta encephalopathy can be 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 encephalopathy. Three of the cases involved in the investigations eventually proved fatal.

Other major Zinbryta side effects include:

• Encephalitis and other immune reactions
• Liver failure and injury
• Stevens Johnson syndrome

Zinbryta Recall

After receiving reports from patients over a slew of side effects, including Zinbryta encephalopathy, the drug’s manufacturers issued a voluntary recall of their multiple sclerosis drug. Biogren 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 encephalopathy.

The FDA has also been made aware of the complications linked with Zinbryta, but the manufacturers’ recall was voluntary. The FDA has stated since the 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 Zinbryta recall isn’t pulling the drug immediately. The FDA announced that “no new patients will start taking Zinbryta or participate in clinical studies,” and it will continue to be available for use as needed until April 30, 2018. The FDA cautioned that Zinbryta users shouldn’t stop taking the drug without first consulting their doctor.

Filing a Zinbryta Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from Zinbryta encephalopathy, Stevens Johnson syndrome, or other side effects after using this multiple sclerosis drug, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Zinbryta encephalopathy and other major complications, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.