(BPT) - Michel, a psychiatric nurse from Southern California, has always been someone who is deeply committed to helping others take control of their health. He didn't realize that one day he would be the one needing care.

A few years after being diagnosed with Graves' disease, a common form of hyperthyroidism, Michel noticed his eyes starting to bulge a bit, accompanied by symptoms of dryness, eye pain and difficulty sleeping because his eyes wouldn't fully close.

"I assumed it was part of my Graves' disease and then I went to get a routine eye exam for new glasses and my doctor diagnosed me with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)," said Michel. "Even though I'm a nurse, I did not know about TED until my diagnosis."

TED is a chronic autoimmune condition that may affect many people with Graves' disease. TED occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the muscle and fat tissue behind the eyes, causing eye bulging, eye pain, double vision and pressure behind the eyes. These symptoms can be mild or severe and may flare or get worse over time.

Despite receiving this diagnosis, Michel still had no clear treatment path and his symptoms began to severely impact his life. "I began to withdraw from social situations and struggled with changes in my appearance. I was afraid of unwanted attention and comments from others due to my eye bulging," said Michel.

Simple tasks, like using a computer or phone, became difficult because of Michel's double vision and eye pain.

Treatment with TEPEZZA^® (teprotumumab-trbw)

While watching TV, Michel saw a commercial for TEPEZZA, the first and only FDA-approved medication to treat TED, no matter if you'd lived with TED for months or years.

"After four years of struggling with my TED symptoms, I was relieved to learn there was an approved and specific treatment option available for people like me," said Michel.

After discussing the risks and benefits with his doctor, Michel was connected with a home health service and began receiving his infusions at home. TEPEZZA is administered intravenously every three weeks over a course of eight infusions, with the full treatment lasting about five months. By the second infusion, Michel started noticing positive changes, and after completing his eighth infusion, Michel saw a significant improvement in his symptoms of eye pain and eye bulging.

Michel did experience some side effects during his treatment with TEPEZZA. Common side effects include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems and changes in menstruation.

After treatment with TEPEZZA, "I no longer fear unwanted attention. My eye bulging has decreased and my eye pain has subsided," said Michel. "I look and feel more like myself again." Infusion reactions, like high blood pressure or difficulty breathing, can happen during or within 24 hours after an infusion of TEPEZZA. Please see Important Safety Information below.

TED Education and Advocacy

With his background in nursing, Michel knows the value of education and self-advocacy. To support others newly diagnosed or living with TED, Michel offers the following advice:

• Advocate for yourself and your symptoms. Even if they aren't visible, be vocal about how they affect your daily life. Have you stopped doing a hobby you love or find it difficult to use a computer due to your TED symptoms? Tell your doctor.
• Some doctors still think if you have been living with TED for a long time, you are not a candidate for TEPEZZA - but this is not entirely true. Even if you've had bulging eyes for years due to TED, you can still experience improvement through treatment with TEPEZZA.
• Not all eye doctors are used to treating TED, which is why you should see a doctor who specializes in it. Make sure you're seeing a TED Specialist, such as an oculoplastic surgeon, neuro-ophthalmologist or endocrinologist, who has experience with the condition.
• Visit TEPEZZA.com to learn more and find a TED Specialist.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TEPEZZA?

Infusion reactions can happen during or within 24 hours after your infusion of TEPEZZA. If you have a reaction while receiving TEPEZZA, your doctor or nurse will slow or stop your infusion and treat your reaction. If you have a severe infusion reaction, your doctor may stop your treatment completely.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with TEPEZZA:

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, TEPEZZA may make your IBD symptoms worse. Symptoms of worsening IBD may include: an increased number of loose stools with stomach pain or cramps, and blood in your stools. After each TEPEZZA infusion, tell your doctor right away if you have worsening IBD symptoms.

TEPEZZA may cause an increase in your blood sugar. Before starting treatment with TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you are currently being treated for diabetes, know your blood sugar is high, or have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is important for you to take your treatments and follow an appropriate diet for glucose control as prescribed by your doctor.

TEPEZZA may cause severe hearing problems including hearing loss, which in some cases may be permanent. Tell your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of hearing problems or changes in hearing.

Before receiving TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you:

• Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
• Are currently being treated for diabetes, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or know your blood sugar is high.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TEPEZZA may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant during treatment with TEPEZZA.
  • Women who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control (contraception) prior to starting treatment, during treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of TEPEZZA.
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TEPEZZA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to feed your baby during treatment with TEPEZZA.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of TEPEZZA?

The most common side effects of TEPEZZA include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems, and changes in menstruation.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or treatment team about any side effect you may have.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please visit TEPEZZA.com for more information.

USE

TEPEZZA is a prescription medicine used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), no matter if you've had TED for months or years.

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