Tepezza Side Effects

Generic name: teprotumumab

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Sep 18, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Tepezza Side Effects associated with teprotumumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Tepezza.

Applies to teprotumumab: intravenous powder for solution.

Precautions

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after your final dose to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause a rare but serious type of an allergic reaction called an infusion reaction, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a headache, dizziness, fast heartbeat, muscle pain, trouble breathing, chest tightness, swelling in your face or hands, fever, chills, itching or hives while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine may cause inflammatory bowel disease. Call your doctor right away if you have diarrhea that may contain blood, severe stomach pain, or bleeding from the rectum.

This medicine may cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Check with your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, dry mouth, fatigue, flushed, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, increased hunger, increased thirst, increased urination, nausea, sweating, trouble breathing, unexplained weight loss, or vomiting.

Serious side effects of Tepezza

Along with its needed effects, teprotumumab (the active ingredient contained in Tepezza) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking teprotumumab:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• nausea
• stomach pain
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• feeling hot
• headache
• muscle pain

Incidence not known

• bleeding from the rectum
• diarrhea that may contain blood
• severe stomach pain

Other side effects of Tepezza

Some side effects of teprotumumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• change or loss of hearing
• change or loss of taste
• dry skin
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• mild diarrhea
• muscle spasms
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to teprotumumab: intravenous powder for injection.

Musculoskeletal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Muscle spasms (25%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (17%), diarrhea (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dysgeusia
• Frequency not reported: Exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hyperglycemia (10%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dry skin^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (12%), hearing impairment (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion reactions (transient blood pressure increases, feeling hot, tachycardia, dyspnea, headache, and muscle pain)^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What are monoclonal antibodies?
• How does Tepezza work, what's the mechanism of action?
• Tepezza before and after, what should I expect?
• How long does it take Tepezza to work?
• How long does Tepezza stay in your system?
• Is Tepezza a chemotherapy drug?
• Is Tepezza used to treat Graves disease?
• Tepezza and COVID vaccine, what should I know?
• How is Tepezza injected and administered?

Further information

Tepezza side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer