Tepezza Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Manage

Hey friend, if you've landed on this page it's probably because youor someone you loveare considering or already on Tepezza for thyroid eye disease. You're probably wondering, "What will this medication do to my body?" Let's cut straight to the chase. Below you'll find the most common sideeffects, the risks you NEED to watch for, and practical tips to keep you feeling as comfortable as possible throughout treatment.

Quick Answers Overview

What are the main sideeffects of Tepezza?

The most frequently reported reactions are muscle cramps or spasms (about 25% of patients), nausea (17%), hair loss (13%) and diarrhea (12%). Most of these are mildtomoderate and can be managed with simple home remedies or a quick chat with your doctor.

Should I worry about serious risks?

Serious warnings are rare but importantinfusion reactions, worsening inflammatorybowel disease, high bloodsugar spikes, and permanent hearing loss have all been flagged. Knowing the warning signs and reporting them early keeps the danger low.

Benefits vs Risks

Tepezza (teprotumumabtrbw) has become a gamechanger for many people with Graves' ophthalmopathy, often reducing eye bulging and improving vision within months. Yet, like any powerful medicine, it carries a balance of benefits and risks. Think of it like a hiking trip: the view from the summit is glorious, but you still need good boots, water, and a solid plan for the trail.

For added confidence, Dr. Raymond Douglas, an oculoplastic surgeon at a leading university hospital, says, "When the therapeutic effect outweighs the manageable sideeffects, Tepezma can truly restore quality of life." Keeping that perspective helps you stay proactive rather than fearful.

Side Effects Overview

Common Side Effects (5%)

Sideeffect	What patients report	How to manage	When to call your doctor
Muscle spasms/cramps (25%)	Stiffness in calves, jaw or back	Warm compress, Epsomsalt bath, gentle stretching	Persistent pain >48h or sudden weakness
Nausea/queasiness (17%)	Feeling sick during first 2 infusions	Sip clear fluids, ginger tea, small meals	Vomiting >2times or dehydration
Hair loss (13%)	Thinning scalp or body hair	Gentle shampoo, avoid tight hats, consider biotin	Sudden bald patches
Diarrhea (12%)	Loose stools, occasional cramping	BRAT diet, stay hydrated, probiotic yogurt	>3 watery stools a day or blood in stool
Fatigue (12%)	Low energy, needing naps	Schedule rest after infusion, balanced diet, light exercise	Extreme fatigue that limits daily activities
High bloodsugar (10%)	glucose readings, especially if diabetic	Monitor glucose daily, discuss med adjustments with endocrinologist	>200mg/dL fasting or symptomatic spikes
Hearing changes (10%)	Tinnitus, muffled hearing, occasional loss	Baseline audiology test, avoid loud noise, wear ear protection	New hearing loss or persistent ringing

These figures come straight from the official safety guide and are updated as of August2025. When you chart these sideeffects, remember that every person is unique; some may feel none at all.

Less Common Effects (1%5%)

• Taste changes (8%): Food may taste metallic. Try flavored water or citrus slices.
• Headache (8%): OTC acetaminophen and staying hydrated usually helps.
• Dry skin (8%): Use a fragrancefree moisturizer and a humidifier at night.
• Weight loss (6%): Keep a weekly weight log and discuss nutrition with a dietitian.
• Nail disorders (5%): Gentle nail care and a multivitamin can keep them strong.

Serious Safety Warnings

Serious doesn't mean "certain"it just means "pay attention." The following are flagged as warnings in the FDA label:

• Infusion reactions: Rapid heart rate, facial flushing, shortness of breath. These usually occur during or right after the IV.
• Inflammatory bowel disease flare: New or worsening abdominal pain, diarrhea with blood, urgent need for stool studies.
• Severe hearing loss: Though rare, it can be permanent; baseline and followup audiograms are crucial.
• Pregnancy contraindication: Tepezza is teratogenic; effective contraception is required for six months after the last dose.

If any of these redflag symptoms appear, call your healthcare team right away. Prompt action often prevents a minor issue from becoming a major one.

Related Questions Answered

What is the Tepezza dosage schedule?

Standard therapy consists of eight intravenous infusions, each given three weeks apart. The first two infusions last about 90minutes, while the remaining six are 60minutes each. Each dose is 10mg per kilogram of body weight, capped at 1,000mg per infusion. A quickreference dosage table looks like this:

Infusion #	Timing	Duration	Typical Dose
1	Week0	90min	10mg/kg (max1g)
2	Week3	90min	Same as #1
38	Every 3weeks	60min	Same as #1

How much does Tepezza cost?

In the United States the average wholesale price hovers around $13,000 per infusion. That adds up fast, especially for the full eightdose regimen. However, most patients don't pay that amount outofpocket. Insuranceboth private and Medicareoften covers a large portion, and Amgen's "By Your Side" copay program can lower your outofpocket expense dramatically. Talk to your insurance specialist or the specialty pharmacy nurse to explore assistance options.

Are there any drug interactions?

According to the manufacturer, no direct drugdrug interactions have been identified for Tepezza. Still, because the medication can raise bloodsugar and affect the immune system, it's wise to share a full medication listincluding overthecounter meds, supplements, and herbal productswith your treating physician.

What about Tepezza and pregnancy?

Tepezza is classified as contraindicated in pregnancy. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects, and there are no human safety data. If you're planning to become pregnantor could become pregnantdiscuss alternative therapies with your endocrinologist. If you're already on Tepezza, you'll need effective contraception for at least six months after your final infusion.

What are the key warnings to remember?

• Watch for infusionrelated symptoms (rapid heartbeat, flushing, breathing difficulty).
• Monitor bloodsugar if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
• Report any new hearing changes immediately.
• If you experience severe abdominal pain or bloody stools, contact your doctor right away.

Real World Stories

Layla's first infusion felt a little queasy, but a quick sip of ginger tea and a short walk afterward kept the nausea at bay. She kept a sideeffect diary, noting that muscle cramps faded after the third infusion.

Jeanne's hearing scare could have turned into permanent loss. Her ophthalmologist ordered a baseline audiogram before treatment; a mild ringing appeared after infusion #4, prompting an immediate dosage review and an ENT referral. Quick action meant the symptom resolved within a month.

Dr. Gay, an oculoplastic surgeon, always tells his patients, "Treat the infusion like a firstdateanticipate a little nervousness, prepare a plan (water, meds, a comfy chair), and followup promptly." His practical advice makes the whole process feel less clinical and more personal.

Talk to Your Doctor

Preparing for that appointment can feel daunting, so here's a simple script you can copypaste:

• "I'm starting Tepezza. Can we go over the most common sideeffects and what I should monitor?"
• "I have a history of high bloodsugar. How will Tepezza affect my glucose levels?"
• "Are there any lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, supplements) that could lessen sideeffects?"
• "What should I do if I notice tinnitus or any sudden hearing changes?"
• "Can we set up a schedule for regular blood work and audiograms?"

Keeping a sideeffect diary (date, symptom, severity, any actions taken) makes these conversations concrete and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Bottom Line Summary

Tepezza offers a powerful option to tame the uncomfortable eye bulging caused by Graves' disease, yet it does bring a suite of sideeffectsmost of which are mild and manageable. By staying informed, monitoring the warning signs, and maintaining open communication with your medical team, you can steer the treatment toward success while keeping the risks under control.

What's your experience with Tepezza? Have you discovered a tip that helped you ease a sideeffect? Share your story in the commentsyour insight could be the lifeline another reader needs. And if you have any lingering questions, feel free to ask; we're all in this together.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.