In January 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for a groundbreaking therapy created to help manage thyroid eye disease. Teprotumumab, marketed under the brand name Tepezza, is an infusion therapy that consists of eight infusions administered to patients at three-week intervals.
Regrettably, slightly over a year following the approval of this innovative treatment, a study surfaced that revealed a concerning issue — many patients undergoing these treatments reported experiencing Tepezza hearing loss and other auditory complications.
Here, we delve into the complications linked to Tepezza use and explore your legal recourse if you have encountered hearing issues as a result of using this prescription medication.
Reach out to Lawsuit Legal News for a free consultation with our dedicated legal team who can answer your questions about whether you qualify to bring a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Understanding Tepezza Hearing Loss
Teprotumumab, commonly referred to as Tepezza, is a medication designed to address thyroid eye disease (TED), an autoimmune condition that triggers inflammation of the eye muscles and the fatty tissue behind the eye. Thyroid eye disease symptoms encompass dry, watery, red, or protruding eyes, visual impairment, and difficulty closing the eyes. Tepezza is manufactured by Ireland-based Horizon Therapeutics USA Inc.
Patients using Tepezza receive intravenous infusions involving eight sessions, each lasting approximately 60-90 minutes, with intervals of around three weeks between infusions.
Clinical trials conducted by Tepezza's manufacturer revealed potential side effects. The reported side effects included:
- Infusion reactions,
- Exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease, and
- Elevated blood sugar levels,
- Muscle spasms,
- Hair loss,
- Nausea,
- Diarrhea,
- Fatigue,
- Dry skin,
- Changes in taste, and
- Headaches.
In the original clinical trials, hearing problems were reported in only 10 percent of the patients who received the treatment. However, recent studies indicate that hearing issues have arisen in up to 65 percent of patients.
Potential Hearing Complications Associated With Tepezza
In an effort to explore the Tepezza hearing loss complications, researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine conducted an assessment involving 26 patients who had undergone a minimum of four infusions.
An astounding 17 of these patients, accounting for 65 percent of those studied, reported experiencing hearing problems. Patients reported hearing issues that encompassed:
Sensorineural Hearing Loss:
Among the 17 patients experiencing hearing symptoms, four exhibited new or worsening sensorineural hearing loss, a condition associated with damage to hair cells in the inner ear. Remarkably, two patients with this condition witnessed improvements within six months after completing their Tepezza treatments.
Patulous Eustachian Tube:
Three patients suffered from a patulous eustachian tube, a condition where the channel connecting the middle ear and the back of the nose and throat remains open, which typically only happens when necessary to regulate air pressure around the eardrum. While symptoms of this condition eased within three months post-Teprotumumab treatments, they did not completely disappear.
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears):
Seven patients experienced tinnitus, characterized by ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can manifest in various auditory sensations, including buzzing, chirping, hissing, humming, roaring, or even shrieking. It becomes chronic when it persists for more than six months and is often attributed to damage to the cochlea's hair cells. Tinnitus can also result from the use of aspirin, other anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, antimalarials, and certain antibiotics.
Ear Plugging Sensation:
Six patients reported a sensation of muffled hearing and the feeling that their ears were plugged. While this sensation is often linked to sinus issues or earwax buildup, specific medications can also induce it.
Autophony:
Autophony refers to a condition in which an individual perceives their own voice and other bodily sounds, such as breathing or blood flow, as abnormally loud. Typically, a person’s voice travels from their mouth, up the sides of their face, and into their ears, causing vocal vibrations to be felt within their ears and head. Autophony often stems from significant middle ear infections and has also been associated with a patulous eustachian tube. Three participants in the research experienced autophony.
Further Research Confirms Tepezza Hearing Loss Findings
The investigation led by Stanford University researchers is just one of several that have drawn a connection between Tepezza infusions and hearing impairment. Additional studies have corroborated these findings.
A study released in February 2022 disclosed that 81.5 percent of patients—22 out of 27 individuals assessed—reported hearing complications following Tepezza usage. Similar to the Stanford research, this study revealed that otologic symptoms were most frequently observed between the third and fourth infusion sessions.
Both of these studies advocate for the implementation of pre-treatment hearing screenings to establish baseline hearing information for patients. This allows healthcare providers to monitor any new hearing loss that may arise during the course of treatment.
How Long Does Tepezza-Induced Hearing Loss Last?
Since Tepezza is a relatively new medication, it remains uncertain whether hearing loss stemming from Tepezza is permanent. So far, several patients studied continued to experience hearing difficulties even six months after concluding their treatment. Also, some patients have required a second round of treatments which could lengthen the extent of their hearing issues.
Some of these patients sought treatment for their hearing loss and exhibited signs of improvement. Researchers who conducted these studies have underscored the necessity for further investigations to ascertain whether the condition can be reversed.
What to Do If You Experience Hearing Complications Due to Tepezza Infusions
Individuals who encounter hearing loss following Tepezza infusions are encouraged to consult with an experienced attorney to gain a better understanding of their potential legal options.
Working with an experienced product liability attorney to pursue a claim against a defective product manufacturer is crucial because these cases tend to be complicated, intricate, and lengthy. Injured claimants must face influential pharmaceutical companies with formidable legal resources and teams of legal professionals determined to protect the company’s bottom line.
In essence, a dedicated mass tort attorney, like the lawyers affiliated with Lawsuit Legal News, can play a pivotal role in securing the compensation you deserve as a result of your Tepezza hearing loss case.
Trust Lawsuit Legal News to Provide the Latest Information About Tepezza Hearing Loss Claims
When consumers are prescribed medication to treat one condition, they don’t expect to face additional problems as a result. Patients who used Tepezza to manage their Thyroid Eye Disease should not have to pay for the financial losses associated with hearing loss and other auditory conditions.
The legal professionals at Lawsuit Legal News are here to discuss your legal rights and explain the process of bringing a Tepezza hearing loss claim during a free consultation. Call us at 866-467-0943 or fill out our simple online contact form for your case review today.