Sometimes, due to certain imbalances in our thyroid gland, our eyes can also be affected in various ways. You may also feel that your eyes are swollen, red, and bulging, and some people may see two things at once (double vision). This is what doctors call "Thyroid Eye Disease". So, a special, modern vaccine used to treat this condition is called Teprotumumab. Today, we will talk about this vaccine, what it does, and what things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Teprotumumab?
Simply put, Teprotumumab (brand name TEPEZZA) is a medication that is used to treat swelling around the eyes and other symptoms of thyroid eye disease. It is not a pill that you take. It is an intravenous infusion. This treatment is usually given in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff. Therefore, it is not a medication that can be used at home.
This medicine may also be used for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, it's best to ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before deciding if this treatment is right for you, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. So, be sure to inform him/her about the following:
- If you have diabetes: This medicine may slightly increase blood sugar levels, so diabetics need special attention.
- If you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Tell your doctor if you have a condition like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis .
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant: This medicine may harm the fetus during pregnancy. So talk to your doctor about this openly.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
- If you have allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes.
It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.
How to give this medicine and what to watch out for
This medicine is given slowly through a tube (IV drip) into a vein. This process can take an hour or more. The entire process takes place in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a doctor or nurse.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
This treatment is usually a series of injections given over a few weeks. Therefore, it is very important to get your treatment on time and not miss the dates your doctor gives you. If for some reason you are unable to go on your scheduled date, call your doctor immediately and let them know, so they can reschedule your appointment.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think this has happened in any way, inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share this medicine with anyone else.
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
It is important to constantly monitor your health while receiving this treatment.
- Avoid pregnancy: This is very important. You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking teprotumumab and for 6 months after stopping treatment. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, talk to your doctor about suitable birth control.
- Blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels frequently while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if your blood sugar levels change. Your diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (medicines for other conditions, vitamins, Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines). Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
- Infusion Reactions: Some people may experience infusion reactions (allergic reactions) when the medicine is injected into their body. To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you other medications (such as piritan) before giving you Teprotumumab.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, Teprotumumab can cause some side effects. Not everybody gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Serious allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| High blood sugar | Feeling more hungry, thirsty, or urinating more frequently than usual, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Other serious symptoms | Rapid heartbeat, severe headache, increased blood pressure, blood in the stool, stomach cramps, muscle pain or limping. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to a doctor if they persist | |
| Hearing problems | Slight hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Other minor ailments | Hair loss, dry skin, changes in taste, changes in menstrual cycles in women. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Teprotumumab is a special injection given through a vein in a hospital for thyroid eye disease.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially diabetes, IBD) and all other medications you are taking.
- Very important: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this treatment and for 6 months after stopping it.
- Be aware of serious side effects such as high blood sugar levels, allergies, and increased heart rate. If anything unusual happens, tell your doctor immediately.
- Go for treatment on the dates given by the doctor. Talk to him openly about any questions or concerns you have.
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