Tepezza is a drug used to treat thyroid eye disease symptoms, including eye bulging, double vision, swelling, redness, and pain. It is one of the only treatments that addresses these specific health conditions. However, the medication is linked to an alarming risk of irreversible hearing damage, such as tinnitus.
Recent research indicates that some thyroid eye disease patients may need a second round of Tepezza injections to see benefits. This raises concerns due to the increased risk of permanent hearing loss. Let’s discuss the long-term physical and mental effects on Tepezza patients and understand how they develop.
How Does Tepezza Work?
Tepezza is also known as teprotumumab-trbw. It functions as a targeted therapeutic agent for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) by inhibiting the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). This receptor plays a critical role in the pathological processes, which include inflammation and tissue remodeling behind the eye. By blocking the activation and signaling of IGF-1R, Tepezza effectively reduces symptoms like eye bulging (proptosis), double vision, and inflammation.
However, inhibiting IGF-1R can cause hearing loss because this receptor is essential for safeguarding the inner ear. These risks have led to legal actions, commonly referred to as the Tepezza lawsuit. In this context, patients have reported significant adverse effects following treatment. This aspect highlights the importance of monitoring and discussing all potential risks with healthcare providers before starting treatment with Tepezza.
Impacts of Tepezza-Induced Hearing Loss
Patients who have permanently lost or impaired their hearing after receiving Tepezza infusions experience physical and mental challenges.
Potentially Permanent Hearing Loss
Tepezza patients describe hearing loss as one of the most serious physical consequences. Tepezza may suppress the insulin-like growth factor one receptor (IGF-IR). It helps protect the inner ear from noise-induced damage, medical toxicity, and ischemia.
This can have catastrophic, possibly irreversible, effects. In clinical studies of the drug, roughly 10% of participants reported having hearing problems.
Moreover, the disorder of sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the sensitive hair cells of the inner ear. This further leads to an inability to hear specific frequencies or sounds. Patients with such conditions find it difficult to have normal conversations or notice warning signals.
Tinnitus
Another typical side effect mentioned by Tepezza users is tinnitus, or continuous ringing in the ears. It can cause difficulty concentrating, sleep disruptions, and a reduced quality of life. Patients may need to rely on assistive devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants to cope with their hearing loss. Eventually, this adds financial and practical challenges to their daily lives.
Mental and Emotional Impacts
The physical limitations of Tepezza-induced hearing loss can substantially impact a patient’s mental and emotional well-being.
Sudden or progressive hearing loss causes feelings of loneliness and worry as individuals strive to adjust to their new situation. The loss of freedom and the ability to engage in social activities might exacerbate these mental health issues.
Patients may also feel tremendous grief and loss, missing the abilities they formerly took for granted. This is especially true for younger patients, who may have to deal with the implications of their hearing loss.
Conditions Admissible for Tepezza Lawsuit Settlements
In light of the Tepezza mass tort, understand the conditions caused by Tepezza that the court can consider for settlements. The claimants demand compensation for a variety of illnesses caused by the medicine, including:
- Permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
- Tinnitus.
- Patulous eustachian tube, a condition in which the eustachian tube remains open.
- Autophony, or perceiving one’s own voice as too loud or echoing.
- Hypoacusis, or partial hearing loss
.
According to TorHoerman Law, courts acknowledge that some diseases severely affect life quality, making patients eligible for settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the effects of Tepezza permanent?
In two 24-week studies, Tepezza effectively alleviated symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease like eye bulging and double vision. However, the duration of these benefits post-treatment remains uncertain. Clinical-based observations suggest that some individuals maintained symptom improvements for up to one year after concluding treatment.
What is the Tepezza case about?
Many people who took Tepezza to treat their eye diseases reported major hearing issues. Tinnitus and hearing loss are some of the complications. Patients afflicted by this issue believe the medicine maker did not provide appropriate notice regarding the related hearing concerns.
Who might qualify to file a lawsuit against Tepezza?
Eligible Tepezza lawsuit candidates include those who received infusions and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus. Eligibility for these lawsuits is often determined during a consultation with legal experts who specialize in drug injury cases. Attorneys provide free case evaluations to determine eligibility for a Tepezza lawsuit. It is based on the extent of hearing damage and supporting documentation.
What are the latest Tepezza lawsuit updates?
As of May 2024, Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits have been actively progressing in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) framework. The consolidation of these cases into an MDL in the Northern District of Illinois, where they are undergoing discovery phases. This centralization aims to manage the cases more efficiently due to their common factual questions concerning Tepezza’s alleged side effects.
In conclusion, the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits have highlighted the significant physical, mental, and emotional impact of the medication on patients. Any settlement or verdict must carefully account for the long-term impacts of Tepezza-induced hearing damage on quality of life.
