Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed to slow the progression of type 1 diabetes. It comes as an IV infusion that’s given by a healthcare professional. The dosage can vary depending on your weight.
Tzield is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. Tzield is not available in a biosimilar version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Tzield, including its strength and how you will receive the medication. For a comprehensive look at Tzield, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages of Tzield provided by the drug’s manufacturer. However, your doctor will prescribe the Tzield dosage that’s right for you.
The information below describes Tzield’s typical dosages and other details about the drug.
Tzield form
Tzield comes as a solution that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It’s always given by a healthcare professional.
Tzield strength
Tzield comes in one strength of 2 milligrams of the drug per 2 milliliters of solution (mg/mL).
Typical dosages
Doctors may prescribe Tzield to slow the progression of type 1 diabetes in adults and certain children. Typically, your doctor will determine your dosage based on your body surface area (BSA). Your BSA is calculated using your height and weight and is measured in square meters (m2).
Your doctor may prescribe additional drugs for you to take during your Tzield treatment. These may include antihistamines, pain relievers, and antinausea medications.
If your doctor prescribes Tzield for your type 1 diabetes, your starting dose will likely be 65 micrograms per square meter (mcg/m2) of your BSA. Typically, you’ll receive an infusion once per day for 14 days in a row.
For the first 5 days, your doctor may gradually increase your dose up to 1,030 mcg/m2. This is the typical recommended dose of Tzield for type 1 diabetes in adults.
The table below shows the typical dosage schedule, including the starting dosage and maintenance dosage for your 14 days of treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe additional medications during your treatment.
| Day 1 | 65 mcg/m2 |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | 125 mcg/m2 |
| Day 3 | 250 mcg/m2 |
| Day 4 | 500 mcg/m2 |
| Days 5–14 | 1,030 mcg/m2 |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Tzield is approved to delay the progression of type 1 diabetes in children ages 8 years and older. Your child’s doctor may prescribe additional drugs for your child to take during their treatment. These may include antihistamines, pain relievers, and antinausea medications.
The 14-day dosing schedule for children is the same as for adults. However, your child’s doctor will likely start by prescribing a lower dose of Tzield than adults. As with adults, the dosage of Tzield for children is based on the child’s BSA. Your child’s doctor will calculate their dosage.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
Long-term treatment
Tzield is prescribed short term to slow the progression of type 1 diabetes. Doctors typically administer Tzield once per day for 14 days in a row.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to receive Tzield.
The Tzield dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on certain factors, including your weight and height.
If you have questions about factors that may affect your Tzield dosage, talk with your doctor.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will administer Tzield as an IV infusion. First, they’ll mix the Tzield liquid vial with a saline solution. Then, they’ll prepare the solution for infusion. You’ll likely go to your doctor’s office, infusion center, or a hospital to receive your infusion. The infusion takes at least 30 minutes.
If you have questions about how you’ll receive Tzield, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer’s website.
If you miss your appointment for a Tzield infusion, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll adjust your dosing schedule as necessary.
Tzield works best when received 14 days in a row, so it’s important not to miss any appointments for your Tzield infusion.
If you need help remembering your appointments, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
How long does it take for Tzield to start working?
Tzield starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. However, your doctor will monitor your condition throughout treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your type 1 diabetes.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Tzield treatment.
Can Tzield be prescribed for type 2 diabetes? If so, what’s the dosage?
No, Tzield is not prescribed for type 2 diabetes. For this reason, the drug’s manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use.
However, several drugs are approved to treat type 2 diabetes. If you have questions about managing type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor. They can recommend treatment options for your condition.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Tzield for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Tzield without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Tzield that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Tzield. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Tzield. For information about other aspects of Tzield, refer to this article.
- Cost. If you’d like to learn about Tzield and cost, see this article.
- Details about type 1 diabetes. For details about diabetes, see our diabetes hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.