19 Jan Everything you need to know about Tepezza

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Everything you need to know about Tepezza

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a rare autoimmune condition. Tepezza, a biologic therapy, is the only drug currently approved by the FDA to treat TED.

Graves’ disease is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 Americans and is the predominant cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease occurs when your body’s immune system begins attacking your thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones. 

Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating how much body energy uses. If overproduction of thyroid hormones occurs, it will result in your body speeding up its metabolism and biological functions. As your body speeds up, the symptoms of Graves’ disease will present as: 

  • Increased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Insomnia and fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat
  • Heat intolerance
  • Sweating
  • Shaky hands

Although Graves is a relatively manageable autoimmune disease, it can significantly impact your vision. Approximately 1 and 3 people suffering from Graves’ disease will develop thyroid eye disease. 

Thyroid eye disease inflames the behind and surrounding the eyes. As tissue surrounding the eyes becomes further inflamed, it pushes the eyes forward, preventing an individual from being able to close them. Without the protection of your eyelids to keep your eyes moist and free of debris, thyroid eye disease will cause redness, irritation, loss of vision, double vision, and changes in appearance. If not managed, this illness can cause permanent vision loss.

The treatments for thyroid eye disease are ointments, eye drops, and oral supplements. Surgical intervention may be necessary if traditional medications fail to treat the condition. However, your doctor may try prescribing you Tepezza to reduce your symptoms and manage your illness to prevent surgery. 

What is Tepezza?

Tepezza is a biologic drug that is the first and only FDA-approved medication to treat thyroid eye disease. 

Tepezza contains an active drug called insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitors. Tepezza works by binding to autoantibodies to prevent these molecules from triggering your immune system to attack your body.  

During its clinical trial, Tepezza reduced proptosis in patients receiving the drug. Tepezza has also been shown to:
 
  • Improve diplopia 
  • Reduce pain, swelling, and redness
  • Improve functional vision
  • Improve patient appearance

How Does Tepezza Work?

Tepezza is a temporary but long-lasting biological infusion therapy that requires eight infusions every three weeks. Tepezza is injected directly into the bloodstream via an IV, and infusions usually last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how you respond to the infusion.

Is Tepezza Right for Me?

You must consult your doctor if you are interested in using Tepezza to treat thyroid eye disease. Although Tepezza has shown to be incredibly effective in treating thyroid eye disease, certain health conditions may be exacerbated during the infusion process. 

Consult with your physician before starting Tepezza if: 

  • You have Irritable Bowel Diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
  • You have diabetes or high blood sugar
  • You are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
  • You are currently breastfeeding. 
 

Tepezza may have adverse effects on an unborn baby, and it is unknown whether or not Tepezza passes into your breast milk. Additionally, Tepezzaa has worsened IBD symptoms and increased blood sugar. If you have IBD or diabetes, you can still take Tepezza, but your doctor and infusion care team must monitor you closely if you start experiencing severe side effects.

Side Effects of Tepezza

Common Side effects of Tepezza:

  • Infusion reactions
  • Muscle spasm
  • Nausea
  • Hair loss
  • High blood sugar
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in taste
  • Dry skin

Severe Side Effects:

  • High blood pressure
  • Flushing
  • Headaches
  • Muscle Pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Muscle pain
  • Difficulty breathing

If you are currently taking Tepezza and you experience any of the above severe side effects, immediately alert your physician and care team.

Where Can I get my Infusion?

Infusions of Tepezza are traditionally done in a hospital setting. However, reports have found that receiving treatment at a stand-alone or ambulatory infusion center (AIC) reduces the cost of infusions by up to 53% while offering a more personalized and private experience. 

Here at Pure Infusion Suites, we put our patients first. We offer flexible scheduling, co-pay assistance, and other financial aid programs, as well as private suites equipped with recliners, flatscreen TVs, and snacks and drinks for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

Pure Infusion Suites currently has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Our founders created Pure Infusion Suites to make the infusion process comfortable, streamlined, and affordable. 

Our expertly trained staff will be with you throughout the infusion process to ensure easy referrals and insurance authorizations and reduce the cost of your infusion where we can. At Pure Infusion Suites, you will skip the long lines at the hospital and be provided with your suite, where you can enjoy your favorite shows, snacks, and food during your infusion appointment. If you have been prescribed Tepezza and are looking for a patient-focused infusion experience, call us at 855.550.3358

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