What is Tepezza?
Tepezza was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2020 for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED), an autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation and swelling around the eyes. An estimated 20% of people diagnosed with hyperthyroidism also suffer from TED. Tepezza works by inhibiting an activity-reducing protein called Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF-1R). IGF-1R plays an integral part in inflammation associated with TED, so by blocking IGF-1R, Tepezza helps decrease eye swelling.
Tepezza was approved for use in treating TED on the basis of two clinical trials. The HORIZON-1 trial, with 184 patients involved, involved a random assignment to either Tepezza or placebo treatment and, after 24 weeks, saw significantly greater improvement in eye symptoms such as pain, redness, and double vision than those taking a placebo pill. HORIZON-2 trial involved 164 patients who had failed other treatments for TED and were randomly assigned either Tepezza or placebo; after 24 weeks, those receiving Tepezza experienced significantly greater improvements than those who received a placebo.
Tepezza is typically well tolerated, and side effects of Tepezza include injection site reactions, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash as the most frequently reported adverse reactions. Rarely it may also lead to more severe allergic reactions or decrease white blood cell count/platelet count/red blood cell count/liver problems/kidney issues/heart problems etc.
If you have been diagnosed with TED, it is essential that you speak to your physician regarding Tepezza as a possible treatment option. Though Tepezza can provide valuable relief, it is essential that patients be informed of its potential side effects before beginning its use.
If you have been injured by Tepezza, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can help explain your legal rights and options.
