Published by Tepezza is an FDA-approved treatment for thyroid eye disease. This rare autoimmune disorder can cause inflammation and swelling in the muscles and tissues behind the eyes, leading to bulging eyes, double vision, and even vision loss. However, recent lawsuits have emerged, claiming that Tepezza is causing severe side effects like hearing loss, tinnitus, and double vision.
The lawsuits have major consequences, particularly for those dependent on Tepezza for their TED treatment. Unexpected and possibly life-altering auditory problems may arise and must be addressed.
If Tepezza has impacted you or a family member, resulting in hearing loss issues, the committed professionals at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, are prepared to assist. As a nationally renowned law firm with expertise in plaintiff cases, our foremost goal is to guarantee you obtain the justice and rightful compensation you deserve.
North Carolina Tepezza Lawsuits
Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits in North Carolina involve patients taking legal action due to severe auditory side effects such as hearing loss and tinnitus after taking the drug. These lawsuits are filed against Horizon Therapeutics DAC, the manufacturer, and Horizon Therapeutics USA, Inc., the distributor, in product liability lawsuits.
The goal of these lawsuits is to seek compensation and hold the manufacturer and distributor accountable for not adequately warning patients about the potential side effects of the drug.
These lawsuits, still in the early stages, have not yet been amalgamated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). However, the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL is a process designed to lighten the load on state and federal courts when there are many similar cases, preventing them from having to hear each case individually.
The establishment of an MDL could influence the direction and progress of Tepezza lawsuits in North Carolina.
Plaintiffs' Claims and Horizon's Defense
The plaintiffs in the Tepezza lawsuits allege that Horizon Therapeutics didn't properly alert patients and doctors about the potential hearing damage associated with Tepezza, a drug used to treat thyroid eye disease.
They claim that the company didn't warn patients or physicians that the potential hearing problems associated with the product could be permanent, which prevented them from making informed decisions about their treatment.
Additionally, Horizon Therapeutics is accused of aggressive marketing of the product to both consumers and doctors as a first-line treatment, even though the European Group on Graves Orbitopathy suggested it as a second-line treatment.
Liability may fall on Horizon Therapeutics if they negligently understated the risks of Tepezza. According to federal law and FDA regulations, drug companies can amend their warning labels without FDA approval if new evidence of risk is presented.
If Horizon knew or should have known about the risk of permanent hearing loss and failed to warn patients and healthcare professionals, they could be held liable for any damages caused.
Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) and Its Impact on North Carolina Cases
The MDL process groups multiple similar cases for pre-trial actions, discovery, and bellwether trials, thereby easing the burden on the courts and eliminating the need for individual hearings for each case. MDL-3079 is a mass tort seeking compensation and justice from Horizon Therapeutics, with 18 Tepezza users making claims against the manufacturer.
If you received Tepezza and then got a diagnosis linked to hearing loss or other hearing-related issues, you might be eligible to join MDL-3079.
As of July 2023, an application to consolidate Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL) has yet to be finalized by federal court. The outcome remains pending. This MDL is related to patients who have suffered permanent hearing loss after taking the drug.
This post will provide detailed insights into these lawsuits and their implications for affected patients in North Carolina.
The MDL process could streamline Tepezza lawsuits in the Northern District of North Carolina by bringing these cases together under one judge. This consolidation can affect the outcome and progress of individual Tepezza lawsuits in the state, as the cases are no longer handled separately.
What Is Tepezza?
Tepezza is an FDA-approved treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED) [1]. The drug was approved under the FDA's Orphan Drug program, which provides incentives for drug makers to develop treatments for rare diseases.
Tepezza works by stopping the protein insulin-like growth factor-1 from functioning, which is thought to be a significant contributor to the condition. The drug received FDA approval in January 2020.
Despite its approval and use in treating TED, recent lawsuits have emerged, linking Tepezza to severe side effects like hearing loss, tinnitus, and double vision. As a result, the FDA has issued a strong warning about the risk of severe and permanent auditory damage associated with Tepezza.
Tepezza Side Effects & Hearing Loss
Tepezza has been associated with a greater-than-expected rate of hearing loss and tinnitus in people who use it.
"Up to 65% of patients receiving Tepezza infusions have experienced hearing-related side effects."- The Journal of the Endocrine Society
The severe auditory side effects, like hearing loss and tinnitus, can have unexpected and distressing health impacts on patients. These side effects have led to numerous lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, claiming that the company failed to adequately warn patients about the potential side effects of the drug.
Does Tepezza Cause Hearing Problems?
Tepezza does cause hearing problems. The evidence linking Tepezza to hearing problems is compelling, and this has led to a rise in Tepezza hearing loss claims. Patients who had Tepezza infusions experienced hearing-related symptoms, as reported in a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society [2].
Additionally, both plaintiffs in the lawsuits reported significant hearing loss and tinnitus shortly after receiving Tepezza infusions.
The belief is that Tepezza may damage the IGF-IRs, which are tasked with protecting the inner ear hair cells. These cells are crucial for converting vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret.
Once these cells are destroyed, they cannot be regenerated, leading to hearing loss or hearing impairment. The product's labeling didn't provide enough warning to patients or physicians about the potential for hearing loss, which has led to numerous lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics.
Potential Settlements and Compensation in North Carolina Tepezza Lawsuits
Settlements in North Carolina Tepezza lawsuits could be worth over $100,000 each, with estimates ranging from $140,000 to $350,000 for cases involving hearing loss. Those who file a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit may be able to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
The extent of the hearing loss, how long it lasted, and the amount of medical bills incurred are some of the factors that can affect the amount of the settlement. Securing legal representation is vital for affected patients to evaluate their case, guide them through the legal process, and safeguard their rights.
Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts
Several factors can impact the settlement amounts in Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits. These factors include:
- Medical expenses
- The severity of the injury
- The age of the plaintiff
- Lost wages
- Other case-specific factors
All of these factors play a role in determining the settlement amount for North Carolina Tepezza lawsuits.
Securing legal representation is pivotal when filing a Tepezza lawsuit in North Carolina, as it allows for case assessment, legal process navigation, and protection of your rights. A Tepezza lawyer can help you determine the potential value of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Qualifies to File a North Carolina Tepezza Lawsuit?
An individual who has experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after taking Tepezza qualifies to file a North Carolina Tepezza lawsuit. Anyone who has suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after taking Tepezza for thyroid eye disease can file a lawsuit.
To be eligible to file a North Carolina Tepezza lawsuit, you must have had infusions of Tepezza and experienced hearing changes in one or both ears. If you meet these criteria, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for the damages you've suffered.
Filing a North Carolina Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit
It's imperative to secure legal representation when filing a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit in North Carolina. A Tepezza lawyer can assess your situation, help you navigate the legal system, and stand up for your rights.
If you've taken Tepezza and suffered from hearing loss or tinnitus, you could be eligible to file a North Carolina Tepezza lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for North Carolina Tepezza Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for North Carolina Tepezza lawsuits can vary depending on where you live, but it's usually three years [3]. When filing a Tepezza lawsuit in North Carolina, prompt action is crucial as the statutes of limitations may vary based on your place of residence.
To determine when you should file a claim, it's best to talk to a lawyer. They can help you understand the specific time limits in your location and ensure that your case is filed promptly to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving compensation.
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Get Your Free Consultation From North Carolina Tepezza Lawyers
Schmidt and Clark, LLP stand by your side in your time of need. If you or a loved one has faced complications linked to Tepezza, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Our experienced team is well-equipped to guide you throughout the entire process.
It would help if you were well-informed about your legal rights and the potential for a lawsuit, and we ensure that our consultations come at no cost. You won't have any financial obligations unless we achieve a favorable outcome for your case.
Contact Schmidt and Clark today for a comprehensive case evaluation, and let us be your trusted partner on this legal journey.
Reference:
- https://www.tepezza.com/#:~:text=TEPEZZA%20reduces%20eye%20bulging%20and,medicine%20used%20to%20treat%20TED.
- 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
- https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_1/gs_1-52.html
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