Risks of Using Tepezza for the Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease is characterized by abnormal growth of the cells in the eyelids, known as cysts. These cysts can grow on one or both eyes and cause inflammation, pain, and vision problems. Thyroid eye disease has no known cure at present, but there are many treatment options available to help patients manage this condition’s symptoms.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can cause blindness if not treated. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina detaches from its underlying tissue, usually because of trauma or surgery. According to Opthalmology Science, every year, there are 10-18 retinal detachment cases per 100,000 individuals.
The use of Tepezza for treating thyroid eye disease has been associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment, which may be related to the drug’s effect on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP).
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common side effect of Tepezza. The time between starting the medication and experiencing hearing loss can range from days to years, but most people experience some hearing impairment within five years.
Hearing loss caused by Tepezza is irreversible and generally persists after you’ve stopped taking the drug, although it may improve slightly over time. If you’re concerned about developing hearing problems while on this medication or after stopping it, speak with your doctor about prevention strategies.
The Tepezza lawsuit is a class action lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of the medication. The company has been accused of failing to provide adequate warning labels on its products, which led to people developing hearing loss. If you or someone you know has experienced hearing loss after using Tepezza, you may be eligible to join this class action lawsuit.
Patulous Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Patulous Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (PETD) is a condition in which the eustachian tube remains open, causing problems with hearing and balance. Several things, including Tepezza, can cause it.
If you have been diagnosed with PETD, it’s best to avoid taking Tepezza until you can talk to your doctor about whether or not they are safe for you to use while also suffering from this condition.
Macular Edema
Macular edema is a severe side effect of Tepezza. It’s the swelling of the macula, which is located at the back of your eye and responsible for central vision. Macular edema can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. However, it can occur at any time during treatment with Tepezza, even after your symptoms have gone away or you have stopped taking the drug altogether.
If you experience any new onset or worsening visual symptoms while using this medication, immediately stop taking it and contact your doctor as soon as possible so they can assess whether macular edema is present in one or both eyes.
According to Global Data, the diagnosed prevalent cases of diabetic macular edema are expected to increase from 1.7 million cases in 2021 to 2 million in 2031 in seven major markets.
Optic Nerve Abnormalities
In some cases, optic nerve abnormalities can be caused by Tepezza. The most common form of this side effect is papilledema, characterized by swelling around the optic nerve that causes it to appear more prominent than usual.
When papilledema occurs with other symptoms such as headache or blurred vision, seeking immediate medical attention is essential because this condition may indicate a severe health problem like raised intracranial pressure (ICP). A definitive diagnosis of papilledema requires an evaluation from an ophthalmologist who will perform tests such as visual field examination and fundus photography.
Visual Field Defects
Visual field defects are caused by damage to the retina, the part of your eye that senses light and sends information to your brain. Visual field defects can cause depth perception problems, making driving difficult or even dangerous.
Tepezza may also cause visual field defects in people with thyroid eye disease (TED). In one study, almost half of the patients with TED who took Tepezza experienced visual field loss while taking this medication compared with only 11% of those who did not take it.
Diplopia (Double Vision)
If you experience double vision while taking Tepezza, it is likely a temporary side effect of the drug. Immediately contact your doctor if this happens to you, and they can recommend an alternative treatment. According to Cleveland Clinic, around 50,000 people go to the ER annually because of diplopia.
If your symptoms persist after stopping Tepezza, your vision may return to normal within several weeks or months. However, some people may have permanent diplopia (double vision) after using Tepezza to treat thyroid eye disease.
Tepezza Can Cause Serious Complications
Tepezza is a drug used to treat thyroid eye disease. It’s an antithyroid medication that helps to bring down the inflammation of your eyes, which causes swelling and bulging.
However, this treatment can also cause severe complications if you’re not careful. The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation, but there are other more serious ones too.
Conclusion
Although Tepezza is an effective drug for treating thyroid eye disease, it has several side effects that can be dangerous. These include retinal detachment, hearing loss, patulous eustachian tube dysfunction, and macular edema. In some cases, Tepezza has even caused visual field defects and diplopia (double vision).
