Why is this medication prescribed?
Teprotumumab-trbw injection is prescribed for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED) in adults. TED is a rare autoimmune condition that affects the tissues around the eyes, causing inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms such as eye bulging, double vision, and eye pain. Teprotumumab-trbw is a monoclonal antibody that works by reducing inflammation and swelling around the eyes, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving the overall condition in patients with TED.
How should this medicine be used?
Teprotumumab-trbw injection is typically administered by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion. Here are some general guidelines on how it is used:
- Administration: The injection is given intravenously, which means it is injected directly into a vein. This is usually done in a healthcare facility such as a hospital or clinic.
- Dosage: The dosage of Teprotumumab-trbw will be determined by your healthcare provider based on factors such as your weight, the severity of your condition, and your response to treatment. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage carefully.
- Frequency: The frequency of Teprotumumab-trbw injections will also be determined by your healthcare provider. Typically, it is administered once every three weeks for a total of 8 doses.
- Monitoring: Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition closely during treatment with Teprotumumab-trbw to assess its effectiveness and to watch for any potential side effects.
- Precautions: Before receiving Teprotumumab-trbw injections, inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, as well as any medical conditions you may have. This will help ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and attend all scheduled appointments for injections to ensure the best possible outcome from treatment with Teprotumumab-trbw.
Other uses for this medicine
Teprotumumab-trbw injection is primarily used for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED) in adults. However, it’s worth noting that there are currently no other approved uses for Teprotumumab-trbw injection beyond its indication for TED.
What special precautions should I follow?
Regarding special precautions for Teprotumumab-trbw injection, here are some important points to consider:
- Allergies: Before receiving Teprotumumab-trbw injection, inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any ingredients in the medication or if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to other drugs.
- Medical History: Your healthcare provider should be aware of your complete medical history, including any other medical conditions you may have, such as diabetes, heart disease, or immune system disorders.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of Teprotumumab-trbw injection with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. There may be potential risks to the fetus or nursing infant, and alternative treatment options may need to be considered.
- Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Teprotumumab-trbw injection may interact with other medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
- Monitoring: Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition closely during treatment with Teprotumumab-trbw injection to assess its effectiveness and watch for any potential side effects. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring of thyroid function, as well as other relevant parameters, may be necessary.
- Side Effects: Be aware of the potential side effects of Teprotumumab-trbw injection, which may include muscle cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, high blood sugar levels, and others. If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms while receiving treatment, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance regarding Teprotumumab-trbw injection, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about the treatment.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
There are no specific dietary instructions associated with Teprotumumab-trbw injection. However, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is generally recommended to support overall health and well-being during treatment.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you miss a dose of Teprotumumab-trbw injection, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule the missed dose. It’s important to adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. Do not try to double up on doses to make up for a missed dose unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Teprotumumab-trbw injection, like any medication, can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Some potential side effects of Teprotumumab-trbw injection may include:
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
- Increased liver enzymes
- Hearing impairment or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Eye disorders such as dry eyes, eye pain, or eye redness
These are not all the possible side effects of Teprotumumab-trbw injection. If you experience any other unusual or bothersome symptoms while receiving this medication, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Additionally, because Teprotumumab-trbw injection can affect thyroid function, there is a risk of worsening or exacerbating thyroid-related symptoms in some individuals, especially those with pre-existing thyroid conditions.
If you notice any severe or concerning side effects, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, or any signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty swallowing), seek medical attention immediately.
It’s important to discuss any concerns about potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Teprotumumab-trbw injection. Your healthcare provider can provide you with more information about the risks and benefits of this medication based on your individual health profile.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Storage and disposal instructions for Teprotumumab-trbw Injection:
- Storage: Teprotumumab-trbw injection should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze the medication. Keep it in the original carton to protect it from light. Do not shake the vial.
- Disposal: Dispose of any unused Teprotumumab-trbw injection according to local regulations or as instructed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not dispose of medications in household trash or flush them down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so.
In case of emergency/overdose
If you suspect an overdose or experience any severe or concerning symptoms after receiving Teprotumumab-trbw injection, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, or signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, difficulty swallowing), seek immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider, local emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment.
What other information should I know?
- Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding the administration of Teprotumumab-trbw injection, including dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment.
- Keep all appointments for injections and follow-up visits with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to treatment and assess for any potential side effects.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential drug interactions.
- It’s important to understand that Teprotumumab-trbw injection is intended for use in adults with thyroid eye disease (TED) and has not been approved for other indications.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly during treatment with Teprotumumab-trbw injection.
- Keep Teprotumumab-trbw injection and all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
- If you have any questions or concerns about Teprotumumab-trbw injection, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further information and guidance.