Tepezza Hearing Loss
In January 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tepezza (teprotumumab) to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Grave’s disease.
During two clinical trials conducted before the drug received FDA approval, around 10% of people taking Tepezza reported hearing issues, including muffled hearing, tinnitus (constant ringing sound in the ears), and hearing loss.
However, a 2021 study found that around 65% of people who take Tepezza may develop those hearing issues—a significant increase over the percentage Tepezza’s manufacturer has shared with doctors and patients.
How Does Tepezza Work?
Tepezza is administered as an infusion treatment once every three weeks over five months for a total of eight infusions. After each infusion, it binds to receptor switches in the cells of tissue behind the eye. People who have TED experience immune reactions to this tissue, causing inflammation and swelling, which in turn produces the common symptoms of the disease.
While Tepezza is regarded as being highly effective at improving the symptoms of TED, including protrusion of the eyes, double vision, and soft tissue inflammation, it carries a high risk of hearing impairment.
What Hearing Impairments Does Tepezza Cause?
In people who received Tepezza infusions and experience hearing problems, the most common symptoms are:
- Muffled hearing
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
In some patients, their hearing loss and tinnitus lessened or went away a few months after their infusions ended or they stopped receiving them. In other patients, however, the hearing-related symptoms are permanent.
Contact Us if You Experienced Hearing Problems After Tepezza Infusions
Both hearing loss and tinnitus can have profound impacts on sufferers’ day-to-day lives. Hearing loss can create significant challenges in daily living, while tinnitus is associated with a marked decrease in mood and quality of life.
If you or someone you love received Tepezza infusions for TED, also known as Grave’s disease, and were diagnosed with muffled hearing, hearing loss, or tinnitus by a doctor or audiologist, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.