Hearing loss can be a devastating experience, affecting nearly every aspect of daily life. Recently, patients who have used Tepezza, a drug prescribed for thyroid eye disease, have reported significant hearing issues, including tinnitus and hearing loss. Tepezza, initially heralded as a breakthrough treatment, now stands at the center of a growing number of lawsuits. Patients across the United States are coming forward, alleging that the drug has caused them serious auditory problems.
In addition to these personal reports, there are ongoing Tepezza hearing loss claims and legal developments surrounding them, including the scheduling of bellwether trials and updates on the number of cases added to the MDL.
If you or a loved one has experienced hearing loss after using Tepezza, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. Our team at Mass Tort America is here to provide support and legal guidance. We specialize in handling cases like these and can help you understand your rights and options. By seeking legal assistance, you may be able to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for your suffering.
Understanding Tepezza And Its Intended Use
Tepezza, known generically as teprotumumab, received FDA approval in January 2020 for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED) after a timeline of events that included safety testing and clinical trials. TED is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and tissue expansion behind the eyes, leading to bulging eyes, double vision, and pain. Tepezza works by inhibiting the activity of a protein involved in this inflammatory process, thus providing relief to many patients suffering from TED.
Tepezza is used to treat thyroid eye disease.
The drug’s initial trials showed promise, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms. However, as Tepezza became more widely used, reports of adverse effects began to surface. Most notably, a growing number of patients reported hearing issues, ranging from mild tinnitus to profound hearing loss. These reports have raised serious concerns about the drug’s safety profile and the adequacy of its initial testing.
Given these developments, it is essential to examine the relationship between Tepezza and hearing loss. Understanding this connection can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options and highlight the need for more comprehensive testing and monitoring of new medications.
How Does Tepezza Work?
Thyroid eye disorders attack the retina with antibodies that activate IGF-1R. This stimulates fibroblast overproduction which causes symptoms of thyroid eye disease. It is able to bind IGF-1R and block it. Tepezza is administered over the course of eight months in alternating doses. Tepezza has been linked to sensorineural hearing loss and worsening sensorineural hearing loss. Currently, a company-wide study suggests a method of administering the infusion intravenously most frequently by registered nurses. Horizon Therapeutics is currently testing the product in limited quantities without doing any independent research.
The Link Between Tepezza And Hearing Loss
Several patients who have taken Tepezza have reported experiencing hearing symptoms, including various hearing-related issues such as tinnitus, ear plugging sensation, and patulous eustachian tube disorder. The types of hearing issues reported include tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, as well as partial or complete hearing loss. These side effects were not prominently highlighted in the drug’s initial clinical trials, leading to questions about the thoroughness of the pre-approval testing.
New hearing symptoms such as sensorineural hearing loss and patulous eustachian tube have also been reported, highlighting the long-term impact and severity of the hearing damage associated with Tepezza.
Researchers are now investigating the potential mechanisms by which Tepezza could cause hearing damage. One theory suggests that the drug may affect the inner ear’s delicate structures, potentially disrupting the auditory nerve’s function. Another possibility is that the drug’s anti-inflammatory properties could inadvertently harm cells in the ear that are crucial for hearing.
This emerging evidence underscores the importance of post-market surveillance of medications. It also raises critical questions about the pharmaceutical industry’s responsibilities in ensuring that drugs are safe for all potential side effects, not just those initially targeted in clinical trials. Patients and healthcare providers need to be fully informed about all possible risks associated with any medication.
Studies Show Potentially Permanent Hearing Damage In Tepezza Users
A shocking percentage of the patients receiving Tepezza injections had permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or other severe hearing issues. Earlier studies have found that hearing-related side effects have no impact on more than 10% of patients. Approximately 65% of patients with hearing loss or hearing problems were diagnosed with these problems. Tepezza patients’ hearing is severely disturbed.
Patients have reported severe hearing impairment linked to the use of Tepezza, raising concerns about the drug’s safety.
How Long Does Tepezza’s Hearing Loss Last?
Some patients reported improvement within several months of stopping treatment. Several patients suffered from hearing impairment, hearing loss, and deafness.
Horizon Failed To Adequately Warn About The Risk Of Hearing Loss From Tepezza
Although Horizon acknowledged hearing loss as a possible side effect, Tepezza claimed this warning was a grossly understated risk. Warnings that do not accurately communicate risk will not constitute an alert whatsoever. Horizon had a reasonable understanding that Tepezza had an increased risk of loss of hearing which was likely permanent. Numerous Tepezza lawsuits have been filed against Horizon Therapeutics regarding the side effects of the drug. In the recent medical literature, a number of studies indicate the importance of IGF-I in hearing. The EPA had no intention of releasing the drug until Tepezza was approved.
The plaintiffs in these Tepezza lawsuits claim that the lack of an adequate warning about the risk of hearing damage from Tepezza left them and their doctors unaware of the potential harm that the drug could cause.
Potential Settlement Payouts For Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuits
It would be premature to predict the value of this lawsuit. There are too many variables to determine if these scenarios can still happen. I’m going to say that the plaintiffs have a very strong case and they believe they will be paying more than the original amount of their damages. The case is therefore able to offer an estimate of how much the successful Tepezza hearing loss suit could have been worth. Using favorable facts, a lawsuit filed against Tepezza could be worth as much as $350,000, based on average Tepezza settlement costs and a favorable outcome.
Legal Grounds For A Tepezza Lawsuit
Patients experiencing hearing loss after using Tepezza may have grounds for a lawsuit based on several legal theories. One primary theory is product liability, which holds manufacturers accountable for releasing a product that is unsafe when used as directed. In the case of Tepezza, plaintiffs may argue that the drug’s manufacturer failed to adequately warn about the potential risk of hearing loss. Tepezza lawyers can offer legal representation to individuals who have experienced hearing loss due to the medication.
Another possible legal argument is negligence. This could involve claims that the manufacturer did not conduct sufficient testing to uncover the drug’s risks or failed to properly monitor and report adverse effects once the drug was on the market. Patients might also allege that the company misrepresented the safety profile of Tepezza in its marketing and labeling.
To succeed in these lawsuits, plaintiffs will need to provide evidence that their hearing loss was caused by Tepezza and that the manufacturer knew or should have known about the risks. This typically requires expert testimony from medical professionals, as well as documentation of the patient’s use of Tepezza and subsequent hearing issues.
How Can Mass Tort America Help You?
If you are considering legal action due to hearing loss from Tepezza, Mass Tort America can offer invaluable assistance. Our firm has extensive experience in handling mass tort cases, and we understand the complexities involved in these types of lawsuits. We are committed to fighting for the rights of individuals who have been harmed by pharmaceutical products.
At Mass Tort America, we provide personalized attention to each case. Our Concierge Team is dedicated to helping patients from all over the nation, coordinating every aspect of the legal process to ensure that you receive the support and representation you deserve. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf, aiming to secure the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To discuss your case and learn more about how we can help, contact Mass Tort America today at 800-356-4338 or visit our contact form at https://masstortamerica.com/contact/. Our team is ready to assist you and guide you through every step of the legal process.
