California Tepezza Lawsuit Attorney

The California Tepezza lawsuit revolves around claims against Horizon Therapeutics for inadequate warnings about potentially permanent hearing loss or tinnitus associated with the drug.

Tepezza, a prescription medication used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), has been linked to reports of hearing loss and tinnitus in some patients, leading to a growing number of legal actions against the manufacturer. As the lawsuit progresses, those affected by hearing loss or tinnitus caused by Tepezza are seeking financial compensation for their damages.

If you or a family member has experienced problems with hearing loss related to Tepezza, the committed professionals at Schmidt & Clark, LLP are ready to assist. As a nationally renowned law firm with a focus on plaintiffs’ cases, our main goal is to ensure that you obtain the justice and compensation you rightfully merit.

California Tepezza Lawsuit

A group of individuals who have suffered from hearing loss or tinnitus after undergoing Tepezza infusions for thyroid eye disease forms the core of the California Tepezza lawsuit. These patients allege that Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of potentially permanent hearing loss or tinnitus associated with the drug.

As a result, many people have suffered permanent hearing damage and are now seeking legal recourse to obtain compensation for their injuries.

Given the rise in Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits, these cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML). With the MDL in place, the legal process will be streamlined, allowing the parties to focus on resolving the claims efficiently and effectively.

Plaintiffs’ Claims and Horizon’s Defense

The plaintiffs in the California Tepezza lawsuit argue that if Horizon had provided adequate warnings about the potential risk of permanent hearing loss or tinnitus, healthcare professionals could have:

• Conducted pre- and post-Tepezza hearing tests on patients
• Caught early signs of hearing loss
• Prevent permanent damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear.

In defense, Horizon cites FDA approval and federal preemption as reasons for not being held liable for the hearing damage some patients experienced after taking Tepezza. However, the FDA has since updated the prescribing information for Tepezza to include new warnings about the risk of permanent hearing loss, which may influence the outcome of the litigation.

California Tepezza Lawsuit Filings

To date, numerous Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits have been filed in California, with more expected as awareness of the issue grows. The JPML has consolidated these cases into an MDL in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. This will help streamline the legal process and facilitate a more efficient resolution of the claims.

The Role of the FDA in California Tepezza Lawsuits

The FDA’s initial approval of Tepezza for thyroid eye disease treatment positions it as a key player in the California Tepezza lawsuit. However, subsequent post-marketing research revealed that 9.5% of patients experienced hearing-related adverse symptoms, which led the FDA to update the prescribing information for the drug to include new warnings about the risk of permanent hearing loss.

What Is Tepezza?

Tepezza is a prescribed drug that targets thyroid eye disease (TED), a condition causing swelling and inflammation in the muscles, fatty tissue, and surrounding eye connective tissue [1]. The drug targets the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). This protein is thought to play a role in the emergence of TED.

While Tepezza has been effective in treating TED, it has also been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus in some patients. This connection between the drug and hearing-related side effects has led to a growing number of lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, as patients seek compensation for their injuries.

Tepezza Side Effects & Hearing Loss

In addition to its therapeutic effects on TED, Tepezza has been associated with a range of side effects, including hearing loss and tinnitus. Clinical trials conducted by Horizon Therapeutics revealed that approximately 10% of patients experienced hearing problems while taking the drug.

Furthermore, four patients in the clinical trials developed or had a worsening of sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing loss caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. This has raised concerns about the safety of Tepezza and has led to legal action against Horizon Therapeutics by those who have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving the drug, with some cases even resulting in severe hearing impairment.

FDA Approval Process and Tepezza

The FDA approved Tepezza as a thyroid eye disease medication for the treatment of adults with thyroid eye disease on January 21, 2020. Prior to approval, Horizon Therapeutics conducted two clinical trials in Europe and the United States, involving more than 170 people affected by TED.

However, the clinical trials also revealed a potential link between Tepezza use and hearing loss, with around 10% of patients noting hearing problems. Despite these findings, the FDA approved Tepezza for the treatment of TED, later updating the drug’s warning labels to include information about the potential risk of hearing loss and tinnitus.

Does Tepezza Cause Hearing Problems?

Tepezza does cause hearing problems. Studies and patient reports have linked Tepezza to hearing loss and tinnitus, suggesting that the drug may indeed cause hearing problems in some individuals [2].

Furthermore, four patients in the clinical trials developed or had a worsening of sensorineural hearing loss, prompting concerns about the safety of Tepezza for those with preexisting hearing issues or a predisposition to hearing loss. As a result, many individuals who have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza infusions are now seeking legal recourse against Horizon Therapeutics.

In the teprotumumab randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 10% of patients experienced mild-to-moderate hearing dysfunction. – National Institutes of Health

Potential Settlements and Compensation in California Tepezza Lawsuits

As the California Tepezza lawsuit progresses, possible settlements and compensations for individuals impacted by hearing loss or tinnitus due to the drug remain undetermined. However, it is important to note that the amount of compensation awarded in these cases will likely depend on factors such as age, preexisting hearing issues, and the severity of hearing loss.

Past hearing loss settlements in California have ranged from $50,000 to $1 million, with the amount awarded depending on the specific circumstances of each case. While no court-approved settlements have been reached in the Tepezza lawsuit as of July 2023, these past cases may provide insight into the potential compensation for Tepezza-related hearing loss cases.

Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts

Several factors can impact the settlement amount in California Tepezza lawsuits, such as:

• The plaintiff’s age
• Hearing loss severity or other damages
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost earnings
• The impact on the individual’s quality of life

For example, younger plaintiffs may be eligible for higher settlements since they may have to endure the effects of the drug for a longer time.

Past Hearing Loss Settlements in California

Past hearing loss settlements in California can provide valuable insight into the potential compensation for Tepezza-related hearing loss cases. For instance, Eargo Inc. settled common law and False Claims Act allegations for a total of $34.37 million, while the average settlement for total hearing loss cases amounted to $1.6 million.

While these past cases may not directly correlate with the Tepezza hearing damage lawsuit, they do offer some context for understanding the potential range of compensation for plaintiffs who have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of taking the drug. As the Tepezza lawsuit progresses, the specific settlement amounts for these Tepezza hearing loss claims will become clearer.

Who Qualifies to File a California Tepezza Lawsuit?

Individuals who have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza infusions for the treatment of thyroid eye disease qualify to file a California Tepezza lawsuit.

In order to qualify, a person must have been administered Tepezza, experienced hearing loss or tinnitus as a result, and suffered permanent hearing loss.

Filing a California Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit

To file a Tepezza lawsuit, you will need to demonstrate that you were administered Tepezza, that the drug caused your injuries, and the amount of your damages.

Working with experienced Tepezza lawyers can be invaluable in helping you gather evidence, assess your damages, and navigate the legal process. Additionally, consulting with an attorney can help ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the applicable statute of limitations, which is crucial in preserving your right to seek compensation.

Statute of Limitations for California Tepezza Cases

The statute of limitations for filing a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit in California varies, so it is important to be mindful of the specific time constraints that apply to your case. In general, you have two years from the date you discover the drug caused your injury to file a lawsuit in California. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

FAQs

Have there been any settlements for Tepezza lawsuits?
Some cases may settle out of court. Your lawyer can provide guidance on the likelihood and process of settlement based on your specific situation.

Can I sue if I experienced minor side effects from Tepezza?
Lawsuits are typically filed for serious side effects. Consult a lawyer to discuss whether your side effects warrant legal action.

What are the steps to file a Tepezza lawsuit?
The process involves consulting a lawyer, gathering evidence, filing the lawsuit, and going through legal proceedings. Each step requires careful preparation and legal expertise.

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From a California Lawsuit Attorney

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we are here to provide unwavering support when you need it most. If you or a loved one has faced challenges related to Tepezza, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team has a wealth of experience in handling such cases and will stand by your side throughout the entire process.

You have the right to be well-informed about your legal rights and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. Be assured that our consultations are always offered free of charge, and you won’t have any financial obligations unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case. Our dedication is to serve you with the same compassion and commitment we would extend to our own families.

Reach out to Schmidt and Clark today for a comprehensive case evaluation. Let us be the trusted partner on your legal journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.Tepezza.com/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8089925/