Tepezza® and Lumvoa® are a prescription infusion medication used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease, a condition that can cause eye bulging, double vision, eyelid swelling, redness, irritation, pain, and pressure around the eyes. Thyroid Eye Disease is often associated with Graves’ disease and occurs when an autoimmune process affects the tissues around the eyes.
At Fante Eye & Face Center, patients from Denver, Greenwood Village, and surrounding Colorado communities receive Thyroid Eye Disease evaluation and treatment planning from doctors with specialized experience in orbital disease, eyelid concerns, and oculofacial plastic surgery. Dr. Robert Fante is double board-certified and a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, while both Dr. Levitt and Dr. Huang are ASOPRS-trained surgeons and ASOPRS Candidate Members. This background helps the team determine whether Tepezza® and Lumvoa® , supportive care, prism treatment, eyelid surgery, orbital decompression, or another option may be appropriate.
What Is Tepezza® and Lumvoa®?
Tepezza® and Lumvoa® are an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease. It is administered via intravenous infusion and is designed to help reduce signs and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease, including bulging eyes and double vision.
Tepezza® and Lumvoa® may also help improve symptoms such as eye pain, redness, and swelling in appropriate patients. Because Thyroid Eye Disease can vary from person to person, a comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine whether Tepezza® and Lumvoa® are an appropriate treatment option.
How Does Tepezza® and Lumvoa® Work to Treat Thyroid Eye Disease?
When a person has Thyroid Eye Disease, immune activity can affect the muscle and fat tissue behind the eyes, leading to symptoms such as eye bulging, double vision, dry or gritty sensations, watery eyes, puffy eyelids, sensitivity to light, and redness.
Tepezza® and Lumvoa® blocks a pathway involved in this immune-inflammatory reaction. In clinical studies used for FDA approval, many patients treated with Tepezza® and Lumvoa® experienced improvement in eye bulging and double vision.
For more information on the use of Tepezza (R) for TED, you can see this scientific article co-authored by Dr. Fante:
Allen RC, Bradley EA, Fante RG, Lucarelli MJ. A Perspective on the Current Role of Teprotumumab in Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease. Ophthalmology. 2021 Aug;128(8):1125-1128. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.03.006. Epub 2021 Apr 3. PMID: 33823982.
Am I a Candidate for Tepezza® and Lumvoa®?
Thyroid Eye Disease is complex, and the decision to prescribe Tepezza® and Lumvoa® requires a careful review of your symptoms, disease stage, medical history, eye findings, and overall health. Our doctors will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether Tepezza® may be appropriate for your condition.
If Tepezza® and Lumvoa® are recommended, our office can help coordinate the next steps, including insurance-related documentation and infusion center arrangements. Because Tepezza® and Lumvoa® are not right for every patient, our doctors will also discuss other treatment options when appropriate.
How are Tepezza® and Lumvoa® Administered?
TTepezza® and Lumvoa® are given as a series of eight intravenous infusions through a needle in your arm. Patients receive one infusion every three weeks until the series is complete. The first infusion typically lasts about 90 minutes, while later infusions may last about 60 minutes.
Intravenous delivery of this medication is performed at infusion centers, often at hospitals or medical clinics. Our office can help coordinate arrangements for an infusion center near your home or work.
When Would I See Results From Tepezza® and Lumvoa® ? What Kind of Results Should I Expect?
Clinical studies conducted to obtain FDA approval of Tepezza® and Lumvoa® showed these results:
- 5 out of 10 people began to see less eye bulging in as few as 6 weeks, with about 8 out of 10 noting improvements by 24 weeks. These improvements continued over the full course of treatment. The eye bulging was reduced by an average of about 3 mm.
- 7 out of 10 people taking Tepezza saw improvements in double vision.
- 5 out of 10 people saw their double vision completely go away.
- 2 out of 3 people taking Tepezza noted substantial reduction in eye pain (including behind the eye and when moving the eye), redness of the eye and eyelid, and swelling of the eye and eyelid. These changes started as early as 6 weeks.
How Many Tepezza® and Lumvoa® Treatments Would I Need?
The FDA has approved eight doses/treatments of Tepezza. To be as effective as possible, all eight doses are recommended.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks Associated With Tepezza® and Lumvoa® are?
The most common side effects associated with Tepezza® and Lumvoa® include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, fatigue, high blood sugar, hearing problems, changes in taste, headache, dry skin, ear discomfort, weight loss, nail changes, and menstrual changes.
Tepezza® and Lumvoa® may also carry additional risks, including infusion reactions, worsening or flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease, elevated blood sugar, and hearing impairment, including hearing loss. Before treatment, our doctors will review your medical history, current medications, and risk factors to help determine whether Tepezza® and Lumvoa® are appropriate.
Please tell our team if you have diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, hearing problems, are pregnant, or are planning pregnancy, as these factors may affect treatment recommendations.
Are Tepezza® and Lumvoa® Safe?
Tepezza has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. To achieve this approval, Tepezza had to be proven safe and effective in clinical trials. This is a new treatment for thyroid eye disease, so there are no long-term studies. But the side effects listed above seems to be manageable for our Fante Eye & Face Center patients, and none have had to stop the treatment due to the side effects. They enjoy the benefits of this new treatment option for Thyroid Eye Disease.