Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw)

Tepezza generic or biosimilar

Tepezza contains the active drug teprotumumab-trbw. The reason “-trbw” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future. In this article, we’ll refer to Tepezza’s active drug as simply “teprotumumab.”

Tepezza is only available as a brand-name biologic medication. Biologic drugs, which are made by using living cells, don’t have generic forms. Instead, they may sometimes have approved biosimilar forms. However, Tepezza doesn’t have an approved biosimilar.

Biosimilars are drugs that are similar to brand-name biologics (their parent drug). Unlike generics, which are made for drugs made from chemicals, biosimilars aren’t exact copies of their parent drug. Because biologics are made using living organisms, it’s not possible to copy them exactly. (The process of making biologics results in small differences in the drug.)

However, approved biosimilars are considered to be just as safe and effective as their parent biologic. And they typically cost less than their parent drug.

Common questions about Tepezza

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Tepezza.

How will my eyes look before and after treatment with Tepezza?

Tepezza is used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED). Treatment with the drug may help relieve certain symptoms of TED. To learn more about TED, see the “Tepezza for thyroid eye disease” section below.

In clinical studies, Tepezza reduced people’s:

• eye bulging
• double vision
• eye redness

To view before and after photos provided by the Tepezza’s manufacturer, check out this website. Keep in mind that medications affect people differently. So be sure to talk with your doctor about what you should expect from Tepezza treatment.

Does Tepezza cure thyroid eye disease?

No, Tepezza doesn’t cure thyroid eye disease (TED). However, treatment with Tepezza may help relieve certain symptoms of this condition.

In two 24-week clinical studies, Tepezza reduced TED symptoms, such as bulging of the eyes and double vision.

It’s not fully clear how long these effects last after stopping Tepezza treatment. Some people who used Tepezza kept their improvement in certain TED symptoms for 1 year after stopping the studies.

Talk with your doctor to find out what you can expect with Tepezza treatment.

Can older people use Tepezza?

Yes, Tepezza can be used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED) in older adults (ages 65 years and over).

The safety and effectiveness of Tepezza was looked at in two clinical studies that included people ages 65 years and older. No differences in safety or efficacy were noted between people 65 years and older and people who were younger.

Can I take Tepezza if I have diabetes or use insulin for diabetes?

Yes, you can likely take Tepezza if you have diabetes or you use insulin to treat high blood sugar levels.

However, Tepezza treatment may increase your blood sugar levels or cause hyperglycemia. (With hyperglycemia, your blood sugar levels are too high.)

These are common side effects of Tepezza. And your risk may be higher if you have diabetes or prediabetes before starting this drug.

If you have diabetes, your doctor will make sure your blood sugar levels are managed before having you start Tepezza. During treatment, they may adjust your diabetes treatment plan, if needed, for your blood sugar levels.

During Tepezza treatment, check your blood glucose levels and watch for symptoms of hyperglycemia. These can include:

• blurry vision
• increased urination or thirst
• fruity breath

You should watch for these signs even if you don’t have diabetes or prediabetes before starting Tepezza.

If you have high blood sugar levels and you’re unsure how to manage them, talk with your doctor.

Tepezza cost and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Tepezza can vary.

Tepezza infusion costs and the cost per year will vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

It’s important to note that you’ll get Tepezza at a healthcare facility or through a specialty pharmacy. (These pharmacies are authorized to dispense specialty medications, which may be expensive or require help from healthcare professionals to be used safely and effectively.)

Before approving coverage for Tepezza, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Tepezza, contact your insurance company. To learn more about the cost of Tepezza, see this article.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Tepezza, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, offers a program called Horizon By Your Side. Through this program, you may be able to find ways to lower the cost of Tepezza treatment. You also have access to patient access managers who can help assist you in understanding how much Tepezza will cost.

For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 833-483-7399 or visit the drug manufacturer’s website.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic or biosimilar version

Tepezza is only available as a brand-name biologic medication.

Biologic drugs don’t have generic forms. Instead, they may sometimes have approved biosimilar forms. However, Tepezza doesn’t have an approved biosimilar.

Biosimilars are drugs that are similar to brand-name biologics (their parent drug). Unlike generics, which are made for drugs made from chemicals, biosimilars aren’t exact copies of their parent drug. Because biologics are made using living organisms, it’s not possible to copy them exactly. (The process of making biologics results in small differences in the drug.)

However, approved biosimilars are considered to be just as safe and effective as their parent biologic. And they typically cost less than their parent drug.

Save on your Tepezza prescription

Save on Tepezza without insurance.

Enter your information:

Location

47201

Dosage

1 tepezza (2 Vials)

Save money without using insurance

Simply show the Optum Perks coupon at your preferred pharmacy or order online and instantly save up to 80% without using insurance. The coupon doesn't expire, so be sure to save it for refills.

Find your pharmacy

SEARCH

advertisement

SEE MORE RESULTS

Retail price refers to the manufacturer’s published list price and is up to date as of 3/2023. Retail and discounted prices are U.S.-only and can vary based on region and pharmacy. We cannot guarantee that the discounted price listed here will exactly match the price at your pharmacy. Please contact your pharmacy for the exact price.

Optum Perks and Healthline are subsidiaries of RVO Health.

Pricing source:Perks.optum.com

---

Was this helpful?

Tepezza side effects

Tepezza can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur during treatment with Tepezza. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Tepezza, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Tepezza, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Tepezza can include:

• nausea
• hair loss
• fatigue or weakness
• changes in taste
• headache
• dry skin
• muscle spasms†
• diarrhea

Most of these side effects may go away during or after treatment with Tepezza. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* To learn more about mild side effects of Tepezza, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or view Tepezza’s prescribing information.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Tepezza can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects can include:

• hearing problems, such as hearing loss
• infusion reaction*
• hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)*
• allergic reaction*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Infusion reactions

During Tepezza treatment, you may have reactions related to getting intravenous (IV) infusions of the drug. (With an IV infusion, the drug is given into your vein over a period of time.)

Infusion reactions aren’t common with Tepezza. However, they’re possible.

Infusion reactions that may occur with Tepezza can result in:

• short-term increases in your blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• difficulty breathing
• headache
• muscle pain
• feeling hot

A healthcare professional will give you Tepezza infusions in a hospital or infusion center. Each infusion will be given over a period of 60–90 minutes. You’ll be monitored during this time for signs of an infusion reaction.

It’s possible to have symptoms of infusion reaction at any time during a Tepezza infusion. Or these reactions may start within 1.5 hours after your infusion.

Management of infusion reactions

Tell your healthcare professional if you have any new or unusual symptoms during or after Tepezza infusions.

If you’re having a mild to moderate infusion reaction, your healthcare professional will manage your symptoms with a corticosteroid or antihistamine medication. And they may slow down your Tepezza infusion or pause it to help manage your symptoms.

To prevent reactions to future infusions, your healthcare professional may:

• give you certain medications before starting your Tepezza infusions
• infuse Tepezza at a slower rate than usual

However, if you have a serious infusion reaction with Tepezza, your doctor may stop your treatment with the drug.

High blood sugar levels

Tepezza may increase your blood sugar levels or cause hyperglycemia. With hyperglycemia, your blood sugar levels are too high.

Increased blood sugar levels are a common side effect of Tepezza. However, your risk may be higher if you have diabetes or prediabetes before starting Tepezza.

You may not notice any symptoms of hyperglycemia. So, during Tepezza treatment, your doctor will order tests to check your blood sugar levels. Your doctor will check your levels even if you don’t have diabetes or prediabetes before starting the drug.

However, if you have certain symptoms during Tepezza treatment, tell your doctor. Symptoms that could indicate hyperglycemia include:

• feeling overly thirsty
• fatigue
• blurry vision
• urinating more than usual
• fruity breath

If you have diabetes, your doctor will make sure your blood sugar levels are managed before having you start Tepezza. And during treatment, they may adjust your diabetes treatment plan to help manage the levels.

If you don’t have diabetes but your blood sugar levels are high with Tepezza, your doctor may suggest ways to manage the levels. This could include suggesting certain diet changes or pairing diet changes with medication.

Muscle spasms

During Tepezza treatment, you may have muscle spasms. In fact, during clinical studies, this was the most common side effect of the drug.

A muscle spasm is a cramp or twitch that happens suddenly in one or more of your muscles. Muscle spasms may be painful or cause other bothersome symptoms, such as weakness.

If you have mild muscle spasms that bother you, talk with your doctor. They may prescribe a muscle relaxant to help reduce the spasms. Or, your doctor may suggest nondrug treatments, such as massage.

If you have moderate to severe muscle spasms, contact your doctor right away.

Also, tell your doctor if you have muscle spasms along with diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common side effect of Tepezza that may cause dehydration (low fluid level in your body). And dehydration is a common cause of muscle spasms.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction from Tepezza treatment.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
• trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Tepezza, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Tepezza for thyroid eye disease

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Tepezza to treat certain conditions. Tepezza may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Tepezza is FDA-approved for one indication. It’s approved to treat thyroid eye disease (TED) in adults.

About thyroid eye disease

TED is an autoimmune condition, which means it’s caused by your immune system attacking your healthy tissues by mistake.

This condition typically develops in people with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) that’s caused by Graves’ disease. TED is also known as Graves’ eye disease, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, and Graves’ orbitopathy.

Graves’ disease is also an autoimmune condition. It causes your immune system to attack your thyroid gland by mistake. It also causes your immune system to attack cells behind your eyes. Over time, this attack causes swelling, damage, a buildup of tissue, and symptoms of TED.

Eye symptoms occur often with Graves’ disease. And they usually occur shortly after Graves’ disease is diagnosed. But eye problems can happen at any time, including after Graves’ disease has been treated.

Symptoms related to your eyes can get worse over time, too. And things like smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke can also make your condition worse.

Common symptoms of TED can include:

• eye pain or irritation, including a gritty feeling in your eyes
• eye redness or inflammation (swelling) of the whites of your eyes
• swollen eyelids
• sensitivity to light
• proptosis (bulging of your eyes)
• double vision
• reduced eye movement

Rarely, in serious cases, TED can cause pressure on your optic nerve. And this can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Treatment of thyroid eye disease

Treatment goals for TED are to manage symptoms of the condition and prevent eye damage. TED treatment is usually more effective when it’s started early in the disease process.

If your condition is mild, your doctor may suggest nondrug treatments to manage your symptoms. These treatments can include:

• wearing sunglasses or special eyeglasses
• using over-the-counter lubricant eye drops
• applying cool compresses on your eyes
• sleeping with your head elevated

If you have moderate to severe TED symptoms, your doctor may suggest an immunosuppressant or corticosteroid drug. (Immunosuppressants decrease the activity of your immune system.) These drugs can help to reduce inflammation in your eyes. Or, your doctor may recommend certain surgeries to improve your vision or appearance. Your doctor may also suggest Tepezza to treat TED.

You can visit our eye health hub for additional information and resources.

Effectiveness for thyroid eye disease

In two clinical studies, Tepezza was effective in treating TED. The studies included people diagnosed with TED who had symptoms.

For details on Tepezza’s effectiveness for this condition, visit the drug’s website. Or, for more clinically described study details, read Tepezza’s prescribing information.

Currently, there aren’t any specific guidelines in the United States for treating TED. If you have questions about whether Tepezza is effective for your condition, talk with your doctor.

Tepezza and children

It’s unknown if Tepezza is safe and effective for use in children with TED. So, Tepezza isn’t approved for use in children.

How Tepezza works

Tepezza is approved to treat thyroid eye disease (TED) in adults. For more information about this condition, see the “Tepezza for thyroid eye disease” section above.

Tepezza’s mechanism of action (the way it works) isn’t clearly understood. However, Tepezza is an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitor. This means it prevents IGF-1R from being activated.

With TED, your immune system attacks cells in the back of your eyes by mistake. And this attack activates IGF-1R.

IGF-1R is thought to play a key part in the inflammation involved in TED. IGF-1R may also be involved with signals that tell your body to make tissue, such as muscle or fat, behind your eye.

Tepezza binds to IGF-1R and keeps it from being activated by your immune system. This may prevent inflammation and the creation of tissue, both of which cause symptoms of TED.

Tepezza may help treat TED in other ways, too.

How long does it take to work?

How long Tepezza takes to improve your TED may depend on certain factors, including the severity of your condition.

In two clinical studies, after 24 weeks of Tepezza treatment, some people had reduced symptoms of TED. Their improvements included:

• decreased proptosis (bulging of their eyes)
• a complete resolution of double vision

In these studies, some people had an improvement in certain symptoms after just 6 weeks. However, for the drug to work as it’s meant to, you should receive one dose every 3 weeks for a total of eight doses. So this means your Tepezza treatment will last about 5 months.

If you have questions, talk with your doctor about when you can expect results from Tepezza treatment.

Tepezza dosage

The Tepezza dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• your body weight
• whether it’s your first dose of the drug

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to follow the Tepezza treatment plan your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Tepezza comes as powder inside single-dose vials. Each vial contains 500 milligrams (mg) of the active drug, teprotumumab.

Your healthcare professional will use the powder in the vial to make a solution. Then, they’ll give you the Tepezza solution as an intravenous (IV) infusion. (With an IV infusion, the drug is given into your vein over a period of time.)

Tepezza infusions typically last 60 to 90 minutes.

Dosage for thyroid eye disease

Typically, for thyroid eye disease, you’ll receive a Tepezza infusion once every 3 weeks. And you’ll be given a total of eight infusions.

Your Tepezza dosage will be based on:

• your body weight in kilograms (1 kilogram [kg] equals 2.2 pounds), and
• which of the eight infusions you’re receiving

The table below lists the usual dosages for Tepezza infusions. But always follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.

What if I miss an infusion?

For Tepezza to work as it’s meant to, you’ll need to receive all eight infusions as prescribed by your doctor.

If you’re unable to keep an appointment for an infusion, call your healthcare professional right away to reschedule.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Tepezza isn’t meant to be used as a long-term treatment. For Tepezza to be effective for thyroid eye disease, you should receive one infusion every 3 weeks, for a total of eight infusions. So, you’ll likely complete your Tepezza treatment in about 5 months.

If your condition doesn’t improve after completing Tepezza treatment, your doctor can recommend a new treatment plan.

How Tepezza is administered

Below, we briefly describe how Tepezza comes and how it’s administered. But follow Tepezza treatment according to your doctor’s or another healthcare professional’s instructions.

To learn more about starting Tepezza treatment, visit the drug’s website.

About Tepezza infusions

Tepezza comes as a powder that your healthcare professional will mix with liquid to make a solution. Then, they will give the solution to you as an intravenous (IV) infusion. (With an IV infusion, the drug is given into your vein over a period of time.)

Typically, you’ll receive Tepezza infusions in a hospital or infusion center. The infusions last about 60 to 90 minutes.

Your healthcare professional will monitor you during your infusion and for a short time afterward. This allows them to check whether you’re having any side effects from the infusion.

When it’s given

Typically, you’ll receive a Tepezza infusion once every 3 weeks. And you’ll receive a total of eight infusions.

For Tepezza to work as it’s meant to, you need to receive all eight infusions as prescribed by your doctor. If you’re unable to keep an infusion appointment, call your doctor’s office right away to reschedule.

Tepezza treatment with food

You can receive Tepezza infusions on a full or empty stomach. Eating food doesn’t affect how your body responds to Tepezza.

However, Tepezza may increase your blood sugar levels. If you have this side effect of the drug, your doctor may recommend certain diet changes to help manage your blood sugar levels. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about this. And for more information, see the “Tepezza side effects” section above.

Tepezza and alcohol

Tepezza doesn’t interact with alcohol. However, in general, consuming excess alcohol can have negative effects on the body. Also, alcohol may worsen certain common side effects of Tepezza, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

In addition, alcohol may affect your blood sugar level. Tepezza can also increase your blood sugar level, especially if you have diabetes or prediabetes.

If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor whether it’s safe to drink alcohol with your condition during Tepezza treatment.

Tepezza interactions

Many drugs can interact with other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can affect how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

However, Tepezza doesn’t have any known drug interactions. It also doesn’t interact with any herbs, supplements, or foods.

Studies of drug interactions haven’t been done for Tepezza. Most drugs are metabolized (broken down) in your liver. But your liver doesn’t break down monoclonal antibody drugs, such as Tepezza. Instead, your body breaks them down in other ways.

Because Tepezza isn’t metabolized in your liver with other drugs, it generally doesn’t interact with other drugs. But to be safe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about taking other medications with Tepezza.

Tepezza and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Tepezza. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products during Tepezza treatment.

Tepezza and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Tepezza. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Tepezza, talk with your doctor.

Tepezza and pregnancy

You should not receive Tepezza during pregnancy. Doing so may cause harm to a developing fetus.

Tepezza hasn’t been studied in pregnant people, but the drug did cause harm when it was studied in pregnant animals. Animal studies don’t always predict a drug’s effects in people. But to be safe, it’s recommended that you do not receive Tepezza during pregnancy.

Before starting Tepezza, talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. To help make sure you’re not pregnant, your doctor may order a pregnancy test for you before you start treatment.

Also, you should use effective birth control before, during, and for a period of time after Tepezza treatment. For more information, see the “Tepezza and birth control” section below.

If you become pregnant during Tepezza treatment, tell your doctor right away.

Tepezza and birth control

Tepezza treatment is not safe during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs with Tepezza treatment.

For more information about receiving Tepezza during pregnancy, see the “Tepezza and pregnancy” section above.

For females receiving Tepezza

If you’re a female* who can become pregnant, you should use birth control before starting Tepezza. You should continue to use birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last dose of the drug.

For males receiving Tepezza

It’s not known whether Tepezza affects male* reproductive health or offspring. If you’re a male receiving this drug, talk with your doctor about whether you’ll need to use birth control while you’re receiving Tepezza.

* In this article, use of the terms “male” and “female” refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Tepezza and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether it’s safe to breastfeed during Tepezza treatment, so you should not breastfeed while receiving this drug.

Talk with your doctor about healthy ways to feed your child during Tepezza treatment.