Teplizumab is used to slow down the worsening of type 1
diabetes. It may delay the need to use insulin to treat your type 1
diabetes. Teplizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal
antibodies. It works by preventing your immune system from attacking your
pancreas, which makes insulin in your body.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start receiving teplizumab and each time you get a treatment. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a
health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually
once a day for 14 days.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body
size, and response to treatment.
Before each dose, your doctor may direct you to take
other medications to help prevent side effects. Carefully follow your
doctor's directions for all your medications. Your doctor may stop your
treatment for some time if you get serious side effects.
To get the most benefit, do not miss any doses. To help
you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
See also Warning section.
Headache may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may cause a serious reaction called
cytokine release syndrome-CRS. Careful monitoring and prompt treatment may
decrease your risk. Before treatment with this medication, tell your doctor
your medical history, especially of any current/recent infection. Tell your
doctor right away if you have any symptoms of CRS such as fever, severe
nausea, tiredness, severe muscle/joint pain, or severe
headache.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning and Side Effects sections.
Before using teplizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Teplizumab can make you more likely to get infections or
may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your doctor your vaccine history and ask if you
need to get any vaccines before starting treatment with this medication.
Your doctor may direct you to have any required vaccines at least 2 to 8
weeks before starting this medication. Tell your health care professional
that you are using or have used teplizumab before having any
immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently
received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the
nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using teplizumab. Teplizumab
may harm an unborn baby. You should wait at least 30 days after the last
dose of teplizumab before a planned pregnancy. If you become pregnant while
taking this medication, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about
how to manage your diabetes with medications, diet, exercise, and regular
medical exams.
Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how
to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as
directed.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function,
complete blood count) should be done before you start using this medication
and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult
your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).