Uses
What is Tzield used for?
Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv) is commonly used in certain people with type 1 diabetes to delay the progression of the disease. Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar, which happens when your body cannot make enough insulin on its own.
How Tzield Works for Type 1 Diabetes
How does Tzield work (mechanism of action)?
Tzield works by preventing your immune system from attacking your pancreas, an organ that makes insulin.
How is Tzield supplied (dosage forms)?
Tzield is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider..
How should I store Tzield?
Tzield is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Tzield?
The most common side effects of Tzield include the following. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Rash
- Low white blood cell counts (leukopenia)
There may be other side effects of Tzield that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Tzield?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Tzield are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Cytokine Release Syndrome. Tzield can cause a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening problem called cytokine release syndrome. This problem occurs when your immune system responds too much. Your immune system may respond too much right away or several days after you get Tzield. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of cytokine release syndrome.
- Fever
- Feeling tired or weak
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Pale or yellowish skin
Infection. Tzield can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Weight loss
Low Lymphocyte Cell Levels (Lymphopenia). Tzield may cause low lymphocyte levels, also called lymphopenia or lymphocytopenia. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps prevent infection. Having a low level of lymphocytes may increase your risk of infection. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low lymphocyte levels.
- Fever, chills, or sweats
- Tiredness
- Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
- Mouth or throat sores
- Swollen lymph nodes
Severe Allergic Reactions. Tzield may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Tzield and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Tzield?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Tzield.
- Tzield
- Teplizumab-mzwv
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Tzield.
What should I know about Tzield before using it?
Take any medicine your healthcare provider gives you to take before getting Tzield. These medicines may help lower certain side effects that you may have from Tzield.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Tzield?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Tzield is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver Problems
- Anemia
- Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- Immune system problems
- Current infection, such as mononucleosis
- Infection that does not go away or keeps coming back
Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Tzield. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Tzield could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You should not get Tzield for at least 30 days before a planned pregnancy. If you become pregnant, stop using Tzield right away and contact your healthcare provider. Also, call the manufacturer at 800-633-1610 to report your pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Tzield passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You may pump and throw away your milk during the time you get this medicine and for 20 days after your treatment. This will lower the amount of medicine your baby may get by breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Tzield?
For more information about Tzield, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.tzield.com or call them at 800-633-1610.
Interactions
Does Tzield interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Tzield and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Tzield. There are no known interactions between Tzield and alcohol.
Does Tzield interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Tzield and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescriptions or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Tzield?
If you or someone else has used too much Tzield, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Tzield?
If you miss a scheduled infusion, your healthcare provider will continue your treatment on the next scheduled day. You will not receive 2 infusions on the same day.