Tepezza is a drug used to treat people with symptoms of thyroid eye disease (TED), and it is FDA-approved. Unfortunately, a number of people who took the drug later suffered from hearing loss, and a 2021 study found that patients taking Tepezza were at a 65 percent higher risk for developing temporary or permanent hearing issues. This has led to at least one major Tepezza lawsuit, and our defective product lawyers are now looking to represent individuals who suffered hearing loss or ringing of the ears after taking the drug.
Tepezza was approved in 2020, and an untold number of patients may have been prescribed the medicine in the past few years since. Many individuals out of those patients may have suffered hearing problems since taking the drug, considering the high risk of developing issues discovered in a 2021 study.
Hearing loss can have a major impact on a person’s ability to work or perform basic tasks, and on their health, mental health, and quality of life. Permanent hearing loss can be a devastating and debilitating condition.
A 2021 study found that the potential risk of developing temporary and permanent hearing issues was over six times higher than the initial estimated risk of hearing loss claimed by Horizon Therapeutics® during the FDA approval process. If Horizon Therapeutics did not adequately warn of the actual risk of Tepezza, the company should be held liable for the harm caused to people who took the drug.
If you believe that you or a loved one may have suffered hearing loss after taking Tepezza, the team at Phillips Law Group may be able to help. You may be entitled to compensation, and Phillips Law Group can do a free, no-obligation review of your case to determine your legal options.
If you want to discuss your experience with taking Tepezza, please call us at 602-222-2222. You can also fill out the form on this page to contact us and learn more about your potential eligibility for a Tepezza lawsuit.
FAQs
What is Tepezza?
Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is a prescription drug developed by Horizon Therapeutics® for a condition known as Graves’ eye disease and for the treatment of TED. “Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an eye disorder that causes inflammation (swelling) and damage to the tissues around the eye, including muscles, fatty tissue, and connective tissue,” the Cleveland Clinic reported. “TED is an autoimmune condition, or one that happens because your protective immune system attacks your body.”
Tepezza blocks a specific protein believed to be the cause of the development of TED, and the drug is administered to patients through an injection every three weeks for a total of around five months. The FDA approved it in January 2020, making it the first medication approved for TED.
What Are the Side Effects of Taking Tepezza?
According to the official Tepezza website, “the most common side effects of TEPEZZA include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems, and changes in menstruation.”
However, it notes those aren’t the only possible side effects of the drug. In two clinical trials conducted before the FDA approval of the drug, “otologic symptoms were reported in 10 percent of patients,” according to the Endocrine Society and a study presented virtually at ENDO 2021, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting. That study found the rate of otologic symptoms, or issues regarding the anatomy and physiology of the ear, could actually be as high as 65 percent.
Tepezza Lawsuits
In 2022, a product liability case was filed against Horizon Pharmaceuticals Inc. on behalf of Daniel Weibel. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (1:22-cv-04518 Weibel v. Horizon Pharmaceuticals Inc.) and was assigned to U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber.
As of March 2023, a number of Tepezza product liability cases are pending throughout the country. They allege that the drug caused hearing loss and tinnitus following infusions of Tepezza.
In Weibel’s case, Horizon Pharmaceuticals “willfully, wantonly and intentionally conspired, and acted in concert, to ignore relevant safety concerns and to deliberately not study the safety and efficacy of Tepezza,” the complaint alleges. He reportedly “suffered physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, and a diminished quality of life,” as a result of Horizon Pharmaceuticals’ negligence, the case claims.
How Much Does a Tepezza Lawyer Cost?
At Phillips Law Group, we handle cases on a contingency basis. That means we do not require money upfront, and that you owe us nothing unless we pursue and win your case.
There is no risk in giving our team a call to talk about your legal options if you or a loved one suffered after taking Tepezza. Your information will remain confidential and you are under no obligation to retain our services after meeting with our firm.
To learn more about filing a potential Tepezza lawsuit or discussing your other options, please contact us today to see how Phillips Law Group can assist you!