Have you heard of Type 1 diabetes? This is a condition in which our body's own immune system goes haywire and attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This is a bit scary. But with the advancement of medical science, new ways to manage these conditions are emerging. One such new hope is a drug called Teplizumab. This is what it does, it delays the onset of Type 1 diabetes. So let's talk about this today in a simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Teplizumab?
Simply put, Teplizumab is a drug that allows people at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes to delay the onset of the disease by a few years. It's not a cure for diabetes, but it does delay the onset of the disease. That's a big deal, right?
This drug belongs to the group called Monoclonal Antibody . Don't be alarmed when you hear that name. Imagine that the soldiers (antibodies) in our body's immune system go astray and start attacking our own good cells. At that time, to control these soldiers who make mistakes, another type of protein specially made in the laboratory is called Monoclonal Antibody. What Teplizumab does is to slightly suppress the immune system's action that mistakenly attacks the cells that make insulin. Therefore, the development of diabetes is delayed.
This medication is usually available on the market under the brand name Tzield .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this treatment
This is very important. Before you start treatment with Teplizumab, it is important to tell your doctor the following information. These things directly affect the success of the treatment and your safety.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Current infectious condition (e.g. fever, cold, cough) | Because this medicine reduces the activity of the immune system, an existing infection may become worse. |
| Liver disease | Since the liver is important for the process of removing drugs from the body, you should inform your doctor if you have any liver problems. |
| Decreased blood components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) | This medicine can cause blood components to decrease even further, so it is dangerous if the levels are already low. |
| A recent or upcoming vaccine | Live virus vaccines in particular can interact with this medication. Therefore, please provide a complete description of the vaccine. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | This is essential to know if you are allergic to Teplizumab or any of its ingredients. |
| If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant | There is still no complete data on the safety of this medication during pregnancy, so you should talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | This information is important to determine whether the medication passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How is this medicine administered to the body?
Teplizumab is not a medicine you can take home and use.
- This is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion .
- It is done in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a medical team.
- This treatment is usually given daily for 14 days.
- Before you start treatment, you will be given a special leaflet (MedGuide) with details about this medicine. Always read it carefully.
- This medicine can also be given to children over the age of 8 under certain circumstances. However, there are some special considerations to be aware of. Talk to your doctor about this.
Important: If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take each dose of this treatment on time. If you are unable to attend your scheduled treatment, call your healthcare team immediately.
Things to consider during treatment
Your medical team will monitor you very carefully while you are taking this medicine.
- Blood tests: You will need to have regular blood tests. These will check the levels of things like white blood cells, red blood cells, and liver function in your blood.
- Risk of infection: This medicine reduces the activity of the immune system, which increases your risk of developing infections. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. It is also a good idea to minimize going to places where people are sick during this time.
- Vaccines: This is very important. Between 6 and 52 weeks after taking Teplizumab, your body may respond less well to the vaccines you receive. So if you need to get a vaccine, tell your doctor that you have taken Teplizumab. You may need to get booster doses or change your vaccination schedule.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Teplizumab can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Description |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) | This is a serious condition caused by a sudden, severe attack of the immune system. Symptoms may include fever, chills, weakness, headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and rapid heartbeat . |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Diarrhea | Abdominal distension. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Skin rash | Small blisters or redness on the skin. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, please contact your doctor for medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Teplizumab is not a cure for Type 1 diabetes, but it is a drug that can significantly delay its onset.
- This is a specialized treatment given to a vein in a hospital, under medical supervision.
- Before starting treatment, give your doctor a complete description of all your medical conditions, medications you are taking, and especially any vaccinations you have received.
- During treatment, be very careful for signs of infection such as fever, cough , or Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) . If any of these occur, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, the best person to ask is your doctor . Don't worry about asking other people.
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