Tepezza, a prescription medication for treating thyroid eye disease (TED), has been linked to permanent hearing loss and tinnitus in some patients. The Kentucky Tepezza Lawsuits center around claims that Horizon Therapeutics failed to provide sufficient warnings about these risks.
If you or a loved one has experienced permanent hearing damage or tinnitus after using Tepezza, contacting a law firm for a complimentary case review could be beneficial.
If Tepezza has had an impact on you or a family member, resulting in hearing loss issues, know that Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here with a dedicated team ready to assist. As a nationally recognized law firm specializing in plaintiffs' cases, our foremost goal is to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Kentucky Tepezza Lawsuits
Tepezza has been prescribed to treat thyroid eye disease, a condition often associated with Graves' disease. While the drug has been beneficial for many patients, more than 30 lawsuits have been filed against Horizon Therapeutics, alleging that the company failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential hearing loss and tinnitus associated with Tepezza.
These Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Illinois, allowing for a more efficient handling of the cases. As the litigation advances, the number of plaintiffs could potentially increase as more Tepezza users possibly experience the following:
- hearing problems
- tinnitus
- ear pain
- balance issues
Plaintiffs' Claims and Horizon's Defense
The plaintiffs in the Tepezza lawsuits claim the following:
- They suffered permanent hearing loss, experienced permanent hearing loss, and tinnitus shortly after receiving Tepezza infusions.
- Their doctors were not adequately warned about these risks.
- Horizon Therapeutics failed to provide sufficient warnings to both patients and medical professionals.
In response, Horizon Therapeutics has invoked the federal preemption doctrine as their defense, arguing that their warnings complied with FDA regulations. However, this defense has been criticized due to the fact that drug companies can amend their warning labels without FDA approval if new evidence of risk arises under federal law and FDA regulations.
Timeline of Tepezza Lawsuits and Updates
The first Tepezza lawsuit was filed in August 2022 by Daniel Weibel in Illinois, who claimed that he experienced permanent hearing loss after receiving a series of Tepezza infusions. Since then, the number of lawsuits has grown, with the cases being consolidated into an MDL in the Northern District of Illinois.
As of October 2023, there were 54 pending Tepezza cases in the MDL, with the discovery process moving forward. The outcome of these lawsuits will undoubtedly impact any future Tepezza hearing loss claims, as well as the legal strategies employed by both plaintiffs and the defendant, Horizon Therapeutics.
What Is Tepezza?
Tepezza is an injectable drug specifically designed to treat thyroid eye disease, a condition that often affects individuals with Graves disease [1]. It works by targeting the receptor switches behind the eyes that cause TED, effectively blocking the swelling of muscle and fat tissue associated with the disease.
While Tepezza has proven to be an effective treatment for many patients with thyroid eye disease, it has also been linked to serious side effects, including hearing loss and tinnitus. This has raised concerns among the medical community and has led to the filing of numerous lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics.
Tepezza Side Effects & Hearing Loss
Many patients and healthcare professionals have reported a connection between Tepezza and hearing loss, with some individuals experiencing hearing problems such as ringing in the ears, a feeling of plugging in the ears, and autophony.
In response to these reports, the FDA updated Tepezza's warning label in July 2023 to include the risk of severe hearing impairment, including hearing loss, which in some cases may be permanent. This update highlighted the potential dangers associated with Tepezza and has undoubtedly contributed to the growing number of lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics.
Does Tepezza Cause Hearing Problems?
Tepezza does cause hearing problems. Several studies and clinical trials have suggested a link between Tepezza and hearing problems, including permanent hearing loss [2].
A study was published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, which revealed that a majority of patients taking Tepezza had Tepezza-related hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing-related symptoms.
This outcome highlighted the need for heightened vigilance when prescribing this medication. Another study presented at ENDO 2021 revealed that up to 65% of patients developed hearing loss or tinnitus when taking Tepezza [3].
Considering the growing body of evidence, those contemplating Tepezza treatment should be aware of the potential risks and consult with their healthcare providers. Furthermore, individuals who have already developed permanent hearing loss after using Tepezza are advised to seek legal counsel to comprehend their rights and explore options for seeking compensation.
"In a study of 26 people who had at least four infusions of Tepezza, 23% suffered hearing loss."- The Stanford University
Potential Settlements and Compensation in Kentucky Tepezza Lawsuits
You may be eligible for compensation if you have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after taking Tepezza. Discuss it with your doctor or seek legal advice to determine if you qualify for this. Potential damages in a Tepezza lawsuit can include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Decrease in quality of life
The exact amount of compensation will depend on the specifics of your case, and a qualified legal team can help you understand what you may be entitled to.
Swift action is recommended if you believe you have a claim due to the time restrictions on filing a lawsuit. Contact a law firm experienced in handling Tepezza lawsuits for a free case review to determine your eligibility and discuss your options for pursuing compensation.
Who Qualifies to File a Kentucky Tepezza Lawsuit?
An individual who suffered from hearing loss or tinnitus after using Tepezza for thyroid eye disease treatment qualifies to file a Kentucku Tepezza lawsuit. Upon meeting these criteria, prompt legal advice is recommended to guarantee timely and appropriate handling of your case.
Contacting a law firm with experience in Tepezza lawsuits will provide you with the opportunity to file a Tepezza lawsuit and offer you:
- A free consultation to assess your case and determine if you qualify for compensation
- Guidance through the process of filing a lawsuit
- Assistance in pursuing the financial compensation you deserve
Filing a Kentucky Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit
If you suspect you have a case for a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit, reaching out to a qualified law firm for a complimentary consultation is a good first step. They will review your case and advise you on the best course of action, ensuring you understand your legal rights and options related to Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits.
Law firms experienced in handling Tepezza lawsuits can help you navigate the complex legal process, including filing Tepezza a hearing loss lawsuit addressing the Tepezza lawsuit claim and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
They typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't pay any upfront costs, and they only get paid if you receive compensation in your case.
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Get Your Consultation From Kentucky Tepezza Lawyers
At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we stand by your side during challenging times. If you or a loved one has encountered permanent problems hearing related to Tepezza, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team boasts extensive experience in handling such cases and will provide unwavering support throughout the entire process.
You have the right to understand your legal rights and your potential eligibility for a lawsuit. We want to reassure you that our consultations are always provided free of charge, and you won't have any financial obligations unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case.
Feel free to connect with Schmidt and Clark today for a comprehensive case evaluation. Let us be your trusted partner on this legal journey.
Reference:
- https://www.Tepezza.com/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8089925/
- https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/featured-science-from-endo-2021/increased-risk-of-hearing-impairment-with-new-thyroid-eye-disease-treatment