Tepezza, a groundbreaking medication, has renewed hope for individuals battling thyroid eye disease (TED). As a chronic and often debilitating condition, TED can significantly impact a person’s eye health and overall well-being. However, with the advent of Tepezza, patients have gained access to a targeted treatment that addresses the root causes of the disease.
Many studies have proven this efficiency of Tepezza. As mentioned on the Food & Drug Administration website, two studies were conducted to test the efficacy of the medication, involving 170 people. 71% in Study 1 and 83% in Study 2 showed more than a 2-millimeter reduction in proptosis.
In this article, we delve into the uses, proper dosage guidelines, and potential side effects of Tepezza. It will shed light on its transformative role in managing thyroid eye disease.
Medical Uses of Tepezza
Tepezza represents a significant milestone in the medical world, as it was specifically developed to address the challenging complexities of thyroid eye disease (TED). TED, also known as Graves ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune disorder associated with Graves’ disease, characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. It affects 16 out of 100,000 women and 2.9 out of 100,000 men in the general population.
TED is believed to involve an immune-mediated attack on the tissues surrounding the eyes. That leads to inflammation, swelling, and other distressing symptoms.
Tepezza’s primary medical use revolves around its efficacy in managing the ocular manifestations of TED. The medication targets the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), a protein believed to play a crucial role in developing the disease. By inhibiting IGF-1R, Tepezza helps modulate the autoimmune response responsible for inflammation and tissue expansion around the eyes.
Additionally, Tepezza has been found to contribute to a reduction in proptosis, a condition where the eyes protrude forward from the eye sockets. This can be particularly beneficial for patients, as proptosis affects aesthetics and can lead to corneal exposure and potential visual impairment.
Another distressing symptom of TED is diplopia, commonly called double vision. The condition occurs when the eye muscles are affected, resulting in misalignment and subsequent double images. 28.66% of cases are due to vasculopathy, as derived from studies of control groups.
Tepezza has shown promise in alleviating diplopia, enhancing eye muscle function, and improving patients’ visual comfort and quality of life.
Proper Dosage and Administration
The correct dosage and administration of Tepezza are critical for ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the risk of side effects. Tepezza is administered intravenously (IV) and must be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
The standard dosing regimen for Tepezza involves an initial loading phase, followed by maintenance infusions. During the loading phase, patients typically receive eight infusions over three weeks. Each infusion is administered once every three weeks. This initial phase allows the medication to build up in the patient’s system, establishing an effective concentration for therapeutic benefits.
After the loading phase, patients transition to the maintenance phase, during which they receive an additional four infusions. The maintenance infusions are usually administered once every three weeks for a total treatment duration of 24 weeks.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Precautions
While Tepezza has shown significant efficacy in treating TED, it is not without potential risks. Patients must be vigilant about reporting any side effects or adverse reactions experienced during or after the infusion.
Mild side effects may include headache, muscle pain, and nausea, while severe reactions may involve allergic responses or changes in blood pressure. There are also muscle spasms, as seen in 25% of patients experiencing them.
Here are some of the most common side effects of Tepezza
Hearing Loss
According to a small study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, many patients reported experiencing hearing symptoms when using Tepezza. It’s important to note that this side effect is not experienced by all individuals taking Tepezza, but it is a known risk.
If you are taking Tepezza and experiencing any changes in your hearing, it is crucial to notify your healthcare provider immediately. They can assess your symptoms and determine the appropriate action based on your situation.
There can be many hearing loss problems associated with Tepezza. According to TorHoerman Law, you may experience:
- Permanent hearing loss
- Increased sensitivity to sound
- Tinnitus
- Partial hearing loss
- A sensation of ears feeling full
It also highlights that earlier studies concluded that only a fraction of patients experienced hearing loss concerns after using Tepezza. However, recent studies show an increased number of people having such problems.
If you or a loved one has faced any such issue, you should also file a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit. The Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit ensures you get the proper compensation for your problems from the manufacturer. In this case, you will file the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics.
Infusion-Related Reactions
During Tepezza infusions, some patients may experience infusion-related reactions, including chills, fever, and skin reactions at the infusion site. Healthcare providers often administer antihistamines and corticosteroids before the infusion to mitigate these reactions. Patients are closely monitored during the infusion process to address any adverse reactions that may arise promptly.
Allergic Reactions
In rare cases, Tepezza can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and severe itching or rash. If any signs of an allergic reaction occur during or after the infusion, immediate medical attention is required. Patients are advised to inform their healthcare provider of any history of allergies or hypersensitivity before starting Tepezza treatment.
Liver Function Abnormalities
Tepezza can affect liver function in some patients. Regular monitoring of liver enzyme levels is typically conducted throughout the treatment period. If any significant changes in liver function are detected, appropriate measures will be taken by the healthcare provider to manage the situation.
Hyperglycemia
Patients with diabetes or prediabetes may experience temporary increases in blood glucose levels during Tepezza treatment. Healthcare providers will closely monitor blood glucose levels in these patients and may need to adjust their diabetes management plan accordingly.
Safety Precautions
Healthcare providers often premedicated patients with antihistamines and corticosteroids before starting the infusion to minimize potential risks. This precautionary approach aims to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions and mitigate the effects of potential side effects.
Before initiating Tepezza treatment, healthcare providers will comprehensively assess the patient’s medical history and current medications to identify potential drug interactions or contraindications.
Conclusion
Tepezza medication has emerged as a transformative treatment option for individuals battling thyroid eye disease (TED). Through its targeted approach, Tepezza effectively addresses the ocular manifestations of TED, offering relief from inflammation, proptosis, and diplopia. The medication’s efficacy has provided renewed hope to patients seeking improved eye function and enhanced visual comfort.
However, it also has some potential side effects. Hence, it is essential to remain vigilant about emerging research and updated safety information. Patients are encouraged to stay informed and collaborate with their healthcare providers throughout treatment.
