Tepezza Hearing Loss

LAWSUITS BEING FILED NOW AGAINST THYROID EYE DISEASE DRUG
TEPEZZA DUE TO PERMANENT HEARING LOSS

Thyroid Eye Disease is an autoimmune condition in which the soft tissue behind the eyes becomes inflamed because of an overactive thyroid gland. This condition is often seen in those with Graves’ Disease. Thyroid Eye Disease and Graves’ Disease both can lead to dry eyes, puffiness, eye bulging, double vision, and other general vision problems. In January 2020, Tepezza was the first medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat these conditions. Tepezza was fast tracked to patients because there were no other successful treatments for Thyroid Eye Disease. The FDA approved it based solely on 2 studies containing only 170 test subjects in total.

Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza did initially discuss that there was a small risk of reversible hearing problems with its use, but that these had only presented in 10% of trial users. Once Tepezza was available for patients, it became clear that this level of these risk was far from realistic.

In March 2021, in an article published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, researchers found that 65% of patients that took part faced symptoms of hearing loss while using Tepezza, more than 6 times the amount noted by Horizon Therapeutics. The study recommended close monitoring of patients receiving infusions, further studies on the link between hearing loss and Tepezza, and the development of guidelines for the use and risks of it.

Soon after, in May 2021, the Journal of Endocrine Society published a study regarding the link between Tepezza and hearing loss. This study again found that patients in their evaluation experienced various symptoms of hearing loss. Their symptoms included the perception that one’s voice is too loud or echoing in their ears (also known as autophony), an ear plugging sensation, hearing loss, and muffled hearing. This study further confirmed that there is a connection with the use of Tepezza and hearing loss. Like the March 2021, study, the advice was made for patients and doctors to be advised completely of the risks and their options to monitor and lessen any issues that happen during the use of these infusions.

A full course of treatment with Tepezza infusion can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for someone with no insurance. The results of the above studies do not include the reports from doctors and patients to Horizon Therapeutics regarding their concerns regarding the use of Tepezza; however, it is still being marketed to consumers.

When a company has knowledge of the dangers of their products, they have the duty to warn their patients of the risks, to warn the doctors of those risks, and to recommend plans for future monitoring for hearing loss. Horizon Therapeutics failed to take these steps and they are negligent for failing to do so.

As of September 2022, at least 2 lawsuits have been filed against Horizon Therapeutics and Tepezza. The claims include lack of an adequate warning about the risk of hearing damage from Tepezza, negligent failure to warn, and defective design. It is anticipated that many more lawsuits will be filed soon.

HAVE YOU OR A LOVED ONE RECEIVED TEPEZZA INFUSIONS?
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION

At the Neumann Law Group, we are actively offering free consultations to people who have experienced permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing related conditions thought to be related to taking Tepezza or any other dangerous drug with design, manufacturing, and marketing defects. We also can assist people who have suffered harm from motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and defective product injuries. For a consultation with a Tepezza injury lawyer in Grand Rapids or Traverse City, call us at (800) 525-6386 or complete our online form.