Tepezza is the only drug available to treat thyroid eye disease, and it is administered intravenously. Some people who have used the drug have sustained persistent hearing loss and tinnitus that has not resolved over time. These patients are suing the manufacturer, claiming they should have been warned of this potentially serious side effect. The lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is sometimes called a mass tort. It is an efficient and cost-effective way for injured people to get justice from large, powerful companies.
The lawsuits are still in their early stages, and our experienced mass tort attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are accepting cases to join the Tepezza lawsuits. If you received one or more infusions of the drug and then sustained permanent hearing loss or tinnitus, contact a legal professional at our firm today.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tepezza for the treatment of thyroid eye disease in 2020. It was and still is the only drug approved to treat the condition. The manufacturer’s data revealed that about ten percent of users experienced hearing problems associated with using the drug, and the FDA considered that data when it gave its approval. However, subsequent studies have indicated that a larger percentage of the people who receive Tepezza infusions might experience side effects that impact their hearing. The hearing issues improve for some people when they stop taking the drug, but for others, the effects are permanent.
The company was aware that some users might experience hearing loss but did not initially provide a warning about it or inform prescribing physicians of the potential for hearing loss. The manufacturer, Horizon Pharmaceuticals, did not add a warning to its label until July 2023. The warning advises treating physicians to assess a patient’s hearing before, during, and after treatment and evaluate whether the risks of hearing loss are outweighed by the benefits to a particular patient. As a result, many people are choosing to pursue a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Tepezza.
People who experienced persistent hearing problems after taking Tepezza can seek compensatory damages. Their claims could include the costs of medical treatment for their hearing issues and the lost income they sustained due to their side effects. Hearing loss and tinnitus can have a significant psychological impact on a person, and a claim could include the cost of mental health support and interventions to help them adapt to their condition.
A person who has decided to file a lawsuit for Tepezza could also seek compensation for their non-economic damages, which are commonly called pain and suffering damages. They could receive money in acknowledgment of their isolation, loneliness, an inability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, and other effects of their hearing loss.
When a manufacturer is found liable in a mass tort case, they generally settle with everyone collectively. Each person receives damages according to the individual harm they sustained. For instance, a musician who sustained profound, permanent hearing loss and can no longer work in their profession would receive more money than someone who sustained persistent but moderate tinnitus that does not interfere with their ability to work.
Anyone who experienced persistent or permanent hearing problems after receiving one or more Tepezza infusions may be eligible to join the multidistrict litigation. The proceeding is in its early stages and new cases are still being added.
A local injury attorney could assess whether a specific person qualifies to join the lawsuit. They may ask about the number of treatments a patient received, the date of the treatment, and when the hearing issues began. They may ask about whether they have a doctor’s diagnosis of their hearing loss or tinnitus and the date of diagnosis. The attorney may also ask about whether the person received any treatment for their hearing issues and whether it was effective.
Time is a significant consideration in these cases. Indiana and Illinois residents must file a lawsuit within two years of learning that Tepezza might have caused their hearing problems. Residents of other states must comply with the statute of limitations that applies to injury claims in their state.
Suing a big pharmaceutical company is intimidating for many people, but our attorneys could help you during this time. Participating in a mass tort is an efficient way of securing compensation for injuries caused by a defective product. Contact an experienced lawyer at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin today to find out whether you qualify to participate in the Tepezza lawsuits.
I have dreamed about writing a book about personal injury law for years. In the past year, I have thought about
the project often. Clearly, I am a procrastinator.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
N/a
The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.
Copyright ©2025 Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin,
