Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is a medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED).
TED is a condition that affects people’s eyes with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
While Tepezza is an effective medication for treating TED, it can also cause several side effects that patients should be aware of.
These side effects can range from mild to severe and affect different body parts. In this article, you will find six common side effects of Tepezza that every patient should be aware of.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a potential side effect of Tepezza that patients should be aware of.
This side effect is rare, but it can occur in some individuals taking the medication. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent and affect one or both ears.
Patients who experience hearing loss while taking Tepezza should seek medical attention immediately. It should be emphasized that hearing loss is not necessarily the sole symptom one may experience.
Additional indications of hearing loss could encompass tinnitus, dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the ears.
Several patients who have experienced hearing loss after taking Tepezza have filed a lawsuit known as the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit against the manufacturer, Horizon Therapeutics.
These lawsuits claim that the company did not adequately warn patients about the risk of hearing loss associated with Tepezza.
These injuries were noted to be causing Sensorineural hearing loss, Tinnitus, Patulous Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, and many more hearing-related issues.
Hearing loss is thought to occur due to inflammation in the inner ear. This inflammation can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain.
If the hair cells suffer damage, their functionality may be impaired, resulting in a decline in hearing ability.
Changes in Menstrual Flow
The menstrual flow can be impacted by Tepezza, as it can alter the levels of specific hormones within the body. As a result, some women may experience irregular periods, while others may experience heavier or lighter bleeding than usual.
Women who experience changes in their menstrual flow while taking Tepezza should inform their doctors. Sometimes, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage or switch to a different medication.
It is important for female patients taking Tepezza to use effective contraception during treatment, as the medication can harm a developing fetus.
If a woman becomes pregnant while taking Tepezza, she should inform her healthcare provider immediately. Also, patients need to have regular check-ups to monitor their thyroid function.
Muscle Weakness
Patients should keep in mind that a side effect of Tepezza might be muscle weakness. It is because Tepezza can alter the body’s hormone levels, which may affect how well muscles work.
As a result, muscle weakness, especially in the arms or legs, may be experienced by certain individuals.
Patients who experience muscle weakness while taking Tepezza should inform their health professional. It is important to rule out other causes of muscle weakness, such as a neurological disorder or a side effect of another medication.
In some cases, adjusting the dosage of Tepezza or switching to a different medication may be necessary to alleviate muscle weakness. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve muscle function.
Patients must avoid activities requiring a lot of physical strength or coordination if they are experiencing muscle weakness while taking Tepezza. However, it can help minimize the risk of injury.
High Blood Sugar
Patients using Tepezza should be aware of the possibility of high blood sugar as a side effect.
According to National Diabetes Statistics Report, in 2022, almost 37.3 million Americans, or 11.3% of the population, had diabetes. Tepezza makes matters worse by listing a rise in high blood sugar as one of its negative effects.
Tepezza can affect the levels of insulin and hormones, which can, in turn, affect blood sugar levels.
As a result, some patients may experience high blood sugar while taking Tepezza, particularly if they have pre-existing diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes.
People using Tepezza should tell their doctor if they encounter any signs of elevated blood sugar. Increased thirst, frequent urination, hazy vision, and weariness are all signs of high blood sugar.
In some cases, adjusting the dosage of Tepezza or switching to a different medication may be necessary to alleviate high blood sugar.
In addition, patients who have pre-existing diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels closely while taking Tepezza.
Insomnia
According to data on the global insomnia report, 1 in 5 US individuals have trouble falling asleep every night, and 50% of US adults have insomnia once a month or more.
It’s a matter of concern since sleeplessness may lead to major issues with health.
Taking Tepezza can change the body’s hormone levels, particularly those that control sleep. As a result, some patients may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep while taking Tepezza.
People should tell their doctor if they have sleeplessness while using Tepezza. In some cases, adjusting the dosage of Tepezza or switching to a different medication may be necessary to alleviate insomnia.
Patients can also improve their sleep hygiene to help manage insomnia. It may include establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a calm and comfortable sleep environment.
Fatigue
Tepezza may alter the body’s hormone balance, impacting how much energy a person has. As a result, some patients may experience fatigue while taking Tepezza, which can characterize feelings of exhaustion, weakness, or lack of motivation.
People should let their doctor know if they get fatigued while using Tepezza. To treat tiredness, it may occasionally be required to change the dosage of Tepezza or to switch to a different medicine.
Patients can also take measures to control their weariness. These include getting adequate rest and sleep, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise or physical activity.
It may also be helpful to prioritize tasks and activities and avoid overexertion or prolonged physical or mental activity periods.
Patients Should Be Informed of Any Potential Negative Effects of Taking Tepezza
According to Drug Watch, Tepezza is a medication for the treatment of thyroid eye disease which the FDA approved in 2020, but it can also have side effects that patients should be aware of.
These side effects may include hearing loss, changes in menstrual flow, muscle weakness, high blood sugar, insomnia, and fatigue.
Patients who experience any of these side effects should inform their healthcare provider promptly. Also, by being informed and proactive, patients can ensure that they receive the maximum benefit from Tepezza treatment while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Jean Smith is a fitness enthusiast and blogger who focuses on fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She is passionate about assisting people in living healthier lifestyles and is constantly on the lookout for new and creative methods to stay fit and healthy. Her articles are excellent resources for anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.