Tepezza, a medication originally intended to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), has recently been linked to serious hearing complications, including permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other auditory issues. Although Tepezza was granted fast-track approval by the FDA due to the urgent need for TED treatment, emerging data suggests that the drug’s side effects, particularly those affecting hearing, may have been underestimated.
If you or a loved one has experienced hearing loss or other auditory issues after taking Tepezza, you may have grounds for legal action. This article from the defective drug lawyers at Kherkher Garcia will cover Tepezza’s intended uses, the risks associated with its use, recent findings related to hearing loss. We will also share how an experienced lawyer can help those affected pursue justice.
What Is Tepezza?
Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is a monoclonal antibody treatment developed by Horizon Therapeutics to manage thyroid eye disease. TED is an autoimmune disorder associated with symptoms like eye bulging, swelling, and double vision. The medication works by inhibiting insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), which plays a role in the development of TED symptoms.
Tepezza was approved under the FDA’s Fast Track program, allowing it to bypass certain clinical trials to meet the urgent needs of patients with limited treatment options. Although Tepezza demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms of TED, the accelerated approval process may have overlooked certain risks, including its severe impact on hearing health.
Tepezza and Hearing Loss: A Growing Concern
Like many powerful medications, Tepezza has a range of side effects. Commonly reported issues include muscle spasms, headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort. However, reports linking Tepezza to auditory problems have become increasingly prevalent. Patients taking Tepezza have reported various types of hearing issues, including:
- Hearing loss: Ranging from mild impairment to complete deafness in severe cases.
- Tinnitus: Persistent ringing or buzzing sounds that can significantly impact quality of life.
- Hyperacusis: Increased sensitivity to sound, which can make everyday noise painful.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: Complications in ear pressure regulation, leading to a sensation of “fullness” or blockage in the ears.
Research Supporting the Link Between Tepezza and Hearing Loss
A growing body of research supports claims that Tepezza can lead to hearing loss. In a study published in 2021, researchers found that approximately 10% of Tepezza users experienced hearing issues. These findings indicate that auditory side effects are more common than initially anticipated and have sparked concern among medical professionals and patients alike.
Mechanism of Action and the Link to Hearing Issues
Tepezza targets the IGF-1R, which is present not only in eye tissues but also in the inner ear. IGF-1R is essential in cellular functions within the cochlea, a critical component of the auditory system. By inhibiting IGF-1R, Tepezza may disrupt the inner ear’s cellular processes, potentially leading to damage that results in hearing loss.
Long-Term Risks and Potential for Irreversible Hearing Damage
Unlike temporary side effects, hearing loss associated with Tepezza can be long-lasting and, in some cases, irreversible. The impact on patients’ quality of life is significant, as hearing loss and tinnitus can lead to isolation, depression, and additional health complications. Many patients report that hearing impairments continue even after discontinuing Tepezza, suggesting that the drug’s impact on the auditory system may be permanent.
Legal Actions for Tepezza-Induced Hearing Loss
Individuals who experience hearing loss or other auditory issues due to Tepezza use may be entitled to compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Horizon Therapeutics, the drug’s manufacturer, may be held accountable if it can be shown that they:
- Failed to adequately warn patients of the potential for severe hearing side effects.
- Neglected to conduct thorough testing for auditory side effects before releasing the drug.
- Engaged in misleading marketing practices that minimized the risks associated with Tepezza.
Proving Liability in a Tepezza Hearing Loss Case
Establishing liability in a Tepezza lawsuit typically involves demonstrating:
- Causation: Evidence linking Tepezza use directly to hearing loss.
- Negligence or Failure to Warn: Proof that Horizon Therapeutics failed to disclose or downplayed the risk of hearing issues.
- Damage: Documentation of the physical, emotional, and financial toll of hearing loss on the patient.
Compensation for Victims of Tepezza-Induced Hearing Loss
If successful, a Tepezza lawsuit could provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Including hearing aids, treatments, and future medical needs.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for lost income due to hearing impairments that impact work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by hearing loss and other related complications.
How a Tepezza Lawyer Can Help You
Cases involving pharmaceutical side effects can be highly complex. A qualified lawyer will investigate whether Horizon Therapeutics failed to provide sufficient warnings, determine the extent of the damage caused, and navigate the legal system on your behalf. Here are a few ways a lawyer can strengthen your case:
- Expert Testimony: An attorney can collaborate with medical and scientific experts who can testify to the link between Tepezza and hearing loss.
- Detailed Documentation: Gathering comprehensive evidence of your medical condition, treatment history, and financial impact.
- Negotiating with Defendants: The pharmaceutical industry is well-funded, and large companies often put up significant legal defenses. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and maximizing the potential for fair compensation.
- Guiding You Through the Process: From filing initial complaints to courtroom proceedings, an attorney will guide you through each step of the legal process.
Qualities to Look for in a Tepezza Lawyer
When choosing a lawyer for a Tepezza hearing loss case, consider looking for one who:
- Specializes in pharmaceutical and product liability law.
- Has experience with hearing loss cases and a track record of success.
- Understands the complexities of FDA approvals and drug side effects.
At Kherkher Garcia, our team of lawyers has the experience and skills you need to fight back when product manufacturers cause you harm. We have been fighting for the rights of our clients for more than 30 years. What’s more, we have recovered billions of dollars to help clients recover and move forward.
What to Do if You’re Experiencing Hearing Loss After Taking Tepezza
If you or a loved one has experienced hearing loss after taking Tepezza, the following steps are essential:
- Consult a healthcare provider: Seek medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible to document the extent of your hearing issues.
- Preserve medical records: Maintain copies of all related medical reports, hearing tests, and treatment plans.
- Consider seeing a specialist: An audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can provide in-depth assessment and treatment options.
- Contact a lawyer: Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is essential for preserving your rights and understanding your options.
Keeping a journal of your symptoms, any related medical visits, and the impact of hearing loss on your daily life can serve as valuable evidence in your case. Documentation can strengthen your claims, making it easier for your attorney to build a comprehensive case on your behalf.
Have Questions about Tepezza Hearing Loss Claims?
As the number of reported hearing complications associated with Tepezza continues to rise, many affected patients are seeking answers and justice. For those impacted, hearing loss can be more than a physical impairment – it is a life-altering issue with far-reaching consequences. If you have suffered from hearing loss, tinnitus, or other auditory issues after taking Tepezza, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
At Kherkher Garcia, we understand the toll that hearing loss can take on your life, and we are here to help you fight for your rights. Our experienced defective drug lawyers will work tirelessly to hold Horizon Therapeutics accountable for failing to warn patients of the potential risks associated with Tepezza. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case, understand your options, and start your journey toward recovery and justice.
To get started, call us at 713-333-1030, or submit our online contact form. There is no obligation to learn more about your rights and options.
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