Some users of Tepezza, a drug meant for treating Thyroid Eye Disease, have reported developing tinnitus and irreversible hearing loss, prompting them to file product liability lawsuits.
Many are filing lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics to recover their healthcare costs, pain and suffering, and related damages. The number of cases is expected to increase as time passes.
Despite Horizon Therapeutics’ objections, a federal jury has decided to consolidate all Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits into multidistrict litigation due to the shared characteristics among claims and the expectation of more plaintiffs.
But what has progress been in these Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits so far? Read on to find out!
Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuits Consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation
In May 2023, lawyers representing Horizon Therapeutics and users of Tepezza presented oral arguments before the JPML on whether to consider Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits for Multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Plaintiffs (users of Tepezza) argued that the drug caused them hearing problems and believe the manufacturer should be held accountable for failure to warn the public of the prescription’s adverse effects.
They also maintained that an MDL was necessary since their injuries, including permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, were similar. Besides, these injuries resulted from improper warnings on the product label.
In their motion to consolidate Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits, the plaintiffs suggested that the MDL be held at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
On the other hand, the defendant’s lawyers argued against creating an MDL, arguing that the filed lawsuits were insufficient to make up an MDL.
They argued that until now, only 18 Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits had been filed against Horizon Therapeutics, but more will likely follow.
However, the JPML sided with plaintiffs and formed an MDL for the cases, which will be presided over by U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin in the Northern District of Illinois.
Users of Tepezza Report Irreversible Hearing Loss
Tepezza is an injectable drug used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), which can result in severe swelling. TED causes discomfort and visual problems, including double vision and blurriness.
Since steroids and surgery are the standard treatments for TED, a single shot felt like a better alternative for these patients. Unfortunately, Tepezza seems to cause permanent hearing loss in some users.
Some people have reported having tinnitus and irreversible hearing loss after using Tepezza. In congruence with these reports, a Stanford study corroborated that Tepezza users might suffer irreversible hearing damage or chronic tinnitus even after cessation of treatment.
This injury results from Tepezza’s adverse effects on insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR), which protects hair cells in the inner ear.
These hair cells convert vibrations into electric messages that the brain can decode. Once damaged, they are irreparable, resulting in hearing damage.
Users of Tepezza State Makers Understated Hearing Loss Risk
Tepezza’s manufacturer, Horizon Therapeutics, failed to warn consumers that using this product could lead to hearing loss. The company had highlighted that any tinnitus or hearing loss experienced would be temporary- it would end upon cessation of TED treatment.
However, the company undersold the actual risk. Besides, consumers may have unintentionally heightened their hearing damage risk by going for a second shot, which some needed to recover from TED fully.
Tepezza received authorization from the FDA’s Orphan Drug program. The program strives to motivate pharmaceutical companies to produce drugs for rare disorders.
Tepezza had a chance to be highly profitable because it was the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of TED available on the market. This begs the issue of whether the manufacturer was driven to understate Tepezza’s risks to profit from the program.
Whatever their motivation, you can hold Tepezza manufacturers accountable for their negligence and seek compensation for your damages.
What Compensation Is Available in Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuits?
The loss of hearing often calls for a radical lifestyle change. At the very least, you must adopt a new form of communication if you lose your hearing after using Tepezza.
This process may be extended and stressful, with repercussions for professional and interpersonal relationships. You can pursue economic and non-economic damages by filing a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit.
Economic damages are monetary losses resulting from your injuries. The latter covers the psychological damages incurred due to the plaintiff’s injuries.
Damages in Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
Seek Help for Your Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit Today!
Consumers deserve to get accurate information about the adverse effects of their medications. If you have suffered permanent hearing loss after using Tepezza, you may join the ongoing Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits.
Hiring a product liability lawyer to represent you is the best way of accomplishing this.
At Legal Giant, we can connect you with experienced lawyers who will protect your rights and do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
