Tepezza lawsuits are rising across the United States. Patients say Horizon Therapeutics failed to warn about the risks. Many report permanent hearing loss or constant ringing in the ears after treatment.
People trusted Tepezza to help with thyroid eye disease. They expected doctors and the drug maker to share all safety information. Instead, they learned about the dangers only after treatment. Reports show many patients noticed hearing changes after just a few infusions. Some could not hear clearly. Others developed tinnitus that never went away.
Legal experts say Horizon should have tested the drug more before selling it. They argue that Horizon knew about the risks but did not give enough warnings. Studies later revealed a much higher rate of hearing problems than first reported. These findings pushed more patients to file lawsuits.
What Is Tepezza
Tepezza is a prescription drug. The FDA approved it in January 2020. It treats thyroid eye disease in adults. Doctors give it through IV infusions every three weeks for five months. The drug works by blocking IGF-1 receptors. This reduces swelling behind the eyes.
Tepezza costs more than other options because there is no generic version. IGF-1 protects inner-ear cells from damage. Blocking these receptors can cause hearing problems in some patients.
Why People Are Filing Tepezza Lawsuits
Many lawsuits claim Horizon Therapeutics did not test Tepezza enough. Reports from patients and medical studies warned of hearing risks. Post-market research also pointed to problems.
Doctors and patients say they were not told the full danger. Early clinical trials showed 10 percent of patients had hearing issues. A 2021 study from the Endocrine Society showed the risk may be as high as 65 percent.
Lawsuits say Horizon told the FDA hearing issues were temporary. In 2023, the FDA added a warning to Tepezza’s label. It now says the drug can cause severe and sometimes permanent hearing loss.
Who Can File a Tepezza Lawsuit
You can file a lawsuit if you meet two conditions:
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You had at least three Tepezza infusions
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You developed permanent hearing loss or nonstop ringing in your ears
These cases are individual lawsuits. They are not class actions because each patient has unique injuries.
Possible Compensation in Tepezza Cases
People filing lawsuits seek money for:
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Medical costs
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Pain and suffering
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Lost wages
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Lower quality of life
Expert estimate settlements could range from $140,000 to $250,000. The payout depends on age, past hearing issues, and the level of hearing damage. The multidistrict litigation is new, so exact amounts are unknown.
Status of Tepezza Settlements
There have been no settlements yet. The MDL is growing as more people file cases. Courts will release updates as the lawsuits move forward.
How Tepezza May Cause Hearing Problems
Research shows Tepezza blocks IGF-1. IGF-1 helps protect cells inside the ear. These cells allow you to hear sounds clearly. When IGF-1 level drop the inner ear cells weaken. Damaged cell do not repair themselves which can lead to lasting hearing loss.
Doctor believe this effect explain why many patient reported changes in hearing after treatment. Some noticed muffled sounds or echoes. Others could not hear certain tones. Patients also described loud ringing that would not stop.
The FDA warns that hearing loss from Tepezza can be permanent. Some patients regained partial hearing months after stopping treatment. Others say the loss is total and irreversible. Medical studies continue to investigate why recovery is possible in some cases but not in others.
Symptoms Linked to Tepezza
Patients report:
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Ringing in ears
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Sensitivity to sounds
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Partial loss of hearing
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Echoing voice or breathing
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Eustachian tube problems
Other side effects include high blood sugar, allergic reactions, headaches, and loss of taste.
Duration of Hearing Side Effects
There is no set timeline for how long hearing problems last after Tepezza treatment. Some patients notice mild changes that fade during treatment. Others develop severe issues that last months or never go away.
Reports from patients show mixed results. A few regained normal hearing after stopping infusions. Many others continue to live with constant ringing or permanent hearing loss. Studies do not yet explain why recovery differs from person to person.
Doctors advise patients to get immediate hearing checks after any change in sound perception. Quick medical attention may help track damage early. It also provides important medical records for those considering legal action.
Understanding Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease is rare. It causes swelling and inflammation around the eyes. Most cases occur with Graves’ disease. Women face this more than men.
Symptoms include:
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Bulging eyes
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Double vision
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Swollen eyelids
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Eye pain
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Sensitivity to light
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Dry or watery eyes
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Trouble closing eyes fully
Tepezza treats these problems but lawsuits highlight serious safety risks.
Cost of Hiring a Tepezza Lawyer
Most lawyers handle Tepezza lawsuits on a contingency basis. You do not pay any upfront fees. The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case.
This setup helps patients who cannot afford high legal costs. The attorney fee come from the settlement or court award. The percentage can vary but most lawyer charge between 30% and 40% of the final amount.
This payment structure mean you face no financial risk when filing a case. You can focus on recovery and let your lawyer handle the legal fight without extra stress.
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit
Every state has its own deadline for filing a Tepezza lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. Missing it means losing your right to seek compensation.
The time limit often starts on the date you first noticed hearing problems or tinnitus. In some state it may start from your last Tepezza infusion. These rule vary so it is important to speak to a lawyer quickly.
A skilled attorney can review your treatment record and explain how much time you have left. Acting fast ensure you meet the legal deadline and protect your claim.
Next Steps for Patient
Anyone who develope permanent hearing loss or nonstop tinnitus after Tepezza treatment should seek legal help right away. A lawyer can review your medical history and explain your options.
The attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and handle every step of the process. This includes collecting medical record speaking with expert and building strong evidence for your claim. The goal is to secure compensation for your medical cost pain and reduced quality of life.
Acting quickly is important. Early legal action increases your chance of meeting state deadline and getting fair result in court or through a settlement.
