We Go The Extra Distance For Our Clients
Class Action and Product Liability Practice Areas
Atlanta and Sandy Springs Tepezza Lawsuit Attorneys
The Sandy Springs Tepezza lawsuit attorneys at Ashenden & Associates are dedicated to representing Tepezza users who have suffered hearing loss and hearing-related problems as a result of taking the prescription drug Tepezza, a drug used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED) and Graves’ disease.
Since the link to severe hearing impairment and sensorineural hearing loss, a wave of patients receiving Tepezza infusions that have developed permanent hearing loss or tinnitus have started filing Tepezza lawsuits. The Tepezza lawsuits claim that the manufacturer failed to warn patients about the risk of permanent hearing problems. Last year, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation chose to consolidate Tepezza lawsuits into a Tepezza hearing loss class action lawsuit.
Our legal team has extensive experience in product liability claims, such as Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits. Our experienced Sandy Springs Tepezza hearing loss lawyer team aims to hold Horizon Therapeutics accountable for the harm caused by their products and failure to warn.
If you have suffered permanent hearing loss or tinnitus after taking or receiving Tepezza infusions, our skilled Sandy Springs Tepezza attorneys can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Tepezza hearing loss lawyer group is are committed to seeking justice for those affected by defective or unsafe medications.
If you or a loved one have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus, or have had other hearing problems, after receiving Tepezza infusions, you may be eligible to file a Tepezza lawsuit against the manufacturer, Horizon Therapeutics. The Sandy Springs personal injury attorneys at Ashenden & Associates are here to help ensure you see justice for your losses.
Our law firm works on a contingency-fee basis. This means that Tepezza users will not owe any legal fees unless our Sandy Springs Tepezza lawyers secure successful outcomes in the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits.
Call 770-394-8909 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tepezza lawyer in Sandy Springs, GA.
Tepezza Lawsuit Update 2024
Below are some of the most recent updates on the ongoing Tepezza lawsuits as of August 2024.
The Tepezza lawsuits are gaining momentum, with approximately 150 cases currently pending in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Illinois. These Tepezza lawsuits claim that Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, failed to warn about the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus associated with the drug, which is used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). The Tepezza hearing loss class action is still in its early stages, with no trials scheduled or district court-approved Tepezza settlement yet.
Innovent Biologics has been developing an alternative thyroid eye disease treatment and is close to being approved in China. This could be a way to treat thyroid eye disease (TED) much more safely.
Horizon Therapeutics’ lawyers have requested another extension for the discovery process regarding the bellwether trials, further postponing Tepezza hearing loss litigation. Horizon Pharmaceuticals will have until April 1 to provide the district judge with their selections for these initial trials.
In February, 19 new Tepezza cases were added to the Tepezza lawsuit (MDL), bringing the total number of cases to 93. This is the largest case increase since the multidistrict litigation against Horizon Therapeutics was established last year.
Horizon Therapeutics has agreed to a plan on how they will produce documents and information for coordinated pretrial proceedings. Unfortunately, this plan doesn’t require Horizon Therapeutics to produce these documents until the end of the year, further postponing the Tepezza lawsuit.
The number of new cases being added to the multidistrict litigation has slowed, as no new cases have been added within the past month. However, the small size of the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit means that victims of Tepezza hearing loss have a higher chance of receiving more compensation.
Attorneys on both sides of the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit requested an extension on the discovery period needed to select certain cases for bellwether trials. These trials will be used in the Tepezza hearing loss class action and multidistrict litigation to help determine how the district court systems will likely react to a larger number of cases.
To schedule bellwether trials, the court will have to choose a handful of individual claims that seem to be representative of the majority of Tepezza hearing loss claims made in the multidistrict litigation.
Originally, Tepezza attorneys had until the beginning of January to select 12 bellwether candidate cases. Still, they have requested that they continue their discovery period until the beginning of March and choose the proper candidates.
As of the end of 2023, no Tepezza lawsuit settlement has been reached and no trials have been scheduled in the Tepezza multidistrict litigation. The total number of cases in the northern district of Illinois MDL is up to 71 after 12 new cases were filed in November 2023.
What is Tepezza?
Tepezza is the only medication to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), which is an autoimmune disorder that is common in those with Graves’ disease, with FDA approval. Both thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease affect the same part of the body and function similarly, so these conditions are often referred to interchangeably.
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and swelling around the eyes. This can result in symptoms like bulging eyes (proptosis), double vision, eye pain, redness, swollen eyelids, and difficulty closing the eyes fully. In severe cases, Thyroid eye disease (TED) can lead to vision loss or other vision-related complications.
As the only medication with FDA approval, Tepezza is administered through intravenous (IV) infusions over several months. However, despite its effectiveness in treating TED, those receiving Tepezza infusions have alleged to have developed permanent hearing loss or tinnitus.
How Does Tepezza Work?
Tepezza infusions work by targeting a protein called insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), which plays a crucial role in the development of the early stages of thyroid eye disease (TED). By binding to IGF-1R, Tepezza infusions inhibit the signaling pathways involved in the inflammation and tissue expansion characteristic of thyroid eye disease.
How Did Tepezza Get FDA Approval?
After seeking FDA approval, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tepezza infusions after reviewing evidence from two clinical trials, which showed Tepezza’s effectiveness in treating effects of thyroid eye disease, such as double vision, compared to placebo. After seeking FDA approval, Tepezza infusions were approved to treat thyroid eye disease in January 2020.
However, in March 2021, the Endocrine Society published a medical study showing that 65% of patients using Tepezza or getting Tepezza infusions to treat thyroid eye disease reported that they’d suffered hearing loss from Tepezza.
According to the Endocrine Society, the most common hearing loss symptoms included:
29% autophony
23% hearing loss from Tepezza
27% ringing in the ears
12% ear-plugging sensation
Other reported side effects, according to the Endocrine Society include deafness, muffled hearing, ear plugging sensation, and Eustachian Tube dysfunction.
Tepezza Side Effects
Like any medication, Tepezza has a number of common side effects associated with their medication. The manufacturer did warn patients against Tepezza side effects such as:
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Nausea
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- High blood sugar
- Hearing problems
- Changes in taste
- Headache
- Dry skin
- Weight loss
- Nail problems
- Changes in menstruation
- Worsening of IBS symptoms
Is Tepezza hearing loss permanent?
While “hearing loss” is a potential side effect, the link between Tepezza and potentially permanent hearing loss may be much greater than Horizon Therapeutics has led users to believe. Below are some of the more serious hearing-loss symptoms that patients who have undergone Tepezza infusions have experienced.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Many Tepezza plaintiffs allege many forms of hearing loss from Tepezza. Hearing loss refers to a partial or total inability to hear sounds. Hearing damage can vary in severity, ranging from mild to profound, and can affect one or both ears. More specifically, Tepezza has been linked to sensorineural hearing loss caused by hearing damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Patients who have received this thyroid eye disease treatment have also experienced tinnitus, a condition where a person hears a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sound in their ear without an external sound source.
There’s no cure for tinnitus, meaning patients endure potential permanent hearing loss following their Tepezza infusions.
Ear-Plugging Sensation
In addition to permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, Tepezza has also been found to cause patients to suffer from an ear-plugging sensation. This refers to the feeling of fullness or blockage in one or both ears as if they were being plugged or stuffed with something.
Autophony
Another one of the hearing problems associated with Tepezza is autophony, which can cause a person to hear their own voice or other internal sounds, such as chewing, breathing, or heartbeat, more loudly or distinctly than usual.
While not serious or life-threatening, autophony can be incredibly disruptive and affect a person’s quality of life. Additionally, the only treatment for autophony is to treat the root cause, meaning if someone develops autophony from Tepezza, their only treatment option will likely be to discontinue Tepezza infusions.
What is the Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit?
In 2022, individuals began filing Tepezza lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics. The Tepezza lawsuits claim that Horizon Therapeutics failed to provide adequate warnings for their product. Victims believe that Horizon didn’t adequately warn patients of the potential risks associated with the drug, including permanent hearing loss from Tepezza.
When companies develop a product, especially a medical product like a drug or device, they must thoroughly test and research their product through clinical trials before it makes it to market. When companies fail to properly test their products or fail to provide adequate warnings of the known risks of the product, the company can be held liable for damages that their negligence caused.
Potential Permanent Hearing Loss For Tepezza Users
Hearing affects many parts of our lives and is one of our most important senses to navigate the world. Unfortunately, many people who have used Tepezza for thyroid eye disease have suffered from permanent hearing damage and hearing loss as a result of the drug.
Do You Qualify for a Tepezza Lawsuit
If you have suffered permanent hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of Tepezza use, you may be able to file a Tepezza lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics for your losses.
At Ashenden & Associates, our product liability lawyers can help investigate the circumstances surrounding your hearing loss and determine your eligibility to file a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit for compensation.
Individuals looking to file a Tepezza lawsuit will need to be able to prove that their hearing problems developed after Tepezza treatments. They may also need to establish a causal link between their hearing problems and the use of Tepezza, which may be proven through medical documentation and expert testimony.
Questions our Tepezza Lawyers May Ask to See If You’re Eligible for a Tepezza Lawsuit
If you believe you qualify to file a Tepezza lawsuit, an attorney may ask you a few questions to confirm your eligibility. Some of these questions include:
Have you received, or are you currently receiving, Tepezza infusions for thyroid eye disease treatment?
Have you experienced sensorineural hearing loss or other hearing-related problems after starting Tepezza treatment?
Have you been diagnosed with any hearing-related medical conditions since using Tepezza?
Have you undergone any medical tests or evaluations related to your hearing issues, and if so, what were the results?
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions that could contribute to hearing loss, or have you been exposed to other factors that cause hearing problems?
Have you experienced any other adverse reactions or side effects while using Tepezza?
Have your hearing issues affected your daily life or ability to work?
Have you incurred any medical expenses or lost wages due to your hearing problems?
Are you interested in pursuing legal action to seek compensation for your injuries and damages?
These questions can help attorneys assess your situation, gather relevant information, and determine the viability of your potential Tepezza lawsuit.
How to File a Tepezza Lawsuit in Sandy Springs or Atlanta, GA
To file a lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics, Tepezza’s manufacturer, you’ll need to contact a Tepezza hearing loss lawyer in your area. They can help investigate the circumstances surrounding your hearing loss and help determine whether or not it was caused by Tepezza use. From there, they can gather the evidence to link your hearing problems to Tepezza.
Tepezza attorneys can also help you pursue compensation, whether through an individual Tepezza lawsuit, a Tepezza hearing loss class action lawsuit, or a Tepezza lawsuit settlement agreement. They’ll have the skills and experience necessary to develop a strong argument on your behalf, ensuring that you have the best chance at receiving full and fair compensation for your losses.
How to file a class action lawsuit for Tepezza hearing loss:
If you live in or around Atlanta, GA, and you’ve experienced partial or total hearing loss due to Tepezza, contact the product liability attorneys at Ashenden & Associates today. Our Tepezza lawyers have experience handling various liability claims, including defective medical device claims. Call 770-394-8909 for a free consultation with an experienced Tepezza lawsuit attorney today.
Gathering Evidence for a Tepezza Hearing Damage Lawsuit
In the discovery process, attorneys on both sides of the case can gather evidence surrounding the claims made by the plaintiff (the alleged victim). Typically, our legal team will begin by gathering your medical records and relevant documentation surrounding your Tepezza infusion treatment.
From there, our Sandy Springs Tepezza lawsuit attorneys may work with experts and receive opinions from otolaryngologists or audiologists. This can help us establish a causal link between Tepezza and your hearing problems.
We may also review FDA reports, data from clinical trials, and internal communications from Horizon Therapeutics to assess their knowledge of the potentially permanent hearing loss surrounding Tepezza.
Assessing Damages for Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuits
Hearing loss can cause someone to suffer various economic and non-economic losses. Victims who file Tepezza hearing loss claims must have their damages analyzed by an experienced Sandy Springs Tepezza lawsuit attorney.
Our Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit attorneys will review your case and help ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your damages. Our law firm will do this by calculating past medical expenses, ongoing medical care and rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and assistive technology like hearing aids.
Our law firm may also be able to calculate how much compensation you deserve in the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit for non-tangible losses like loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and decreased quality of life caused by severe hearing impairment.
Do I Need a Tepezza Lawyer in Sandy Springs, GA?
Yes, if you have developed permanent hearing loss or other hearing problems as a result of Tepezza use, you need an attorney who can help you file a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit. An experienced Tepezza lawyer in Sandy Springs can assess your case, evaluate the evidence, and determine whether you have grounds for legal action against the manufacturer.
A Tepezza hearing loss lawyer can help you navigate the litigation process, gather evidence to support your claim and advocate to seek compensation for your losses.
Additionally, an experienced Tepezza lawyer in Sandy Springs can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your case, ensuring your rights are protected and you have the best possible chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
Average Tepezza Lawsuit Payout
Since no Tepezza lawsuits have made it to court yet, and since no settlements have been reached, it’s hard to predict just how much compensation victims may receive for their claims. The payout for Tepezza lawsuits will vary depending on the severity of their hearing loss, the extent of their medical expenses, and the impact of the hearing problems on their daily life.
If you have been injured as a result of Tepezza, contact the skilled Tepezza lawyers at Ashenden & Associates. Our Sandy Springs and Atlanta Tepezza attorneys can help you file a Tepezza lawsuit or join the ongoing multidistrict litigation and ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Call us at 770-394-8909 to schedule a free consultation with a Sandy Springs Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit attorney.
Tepezza Settlement
Since no Tepezza cases have been settled, there’s no telling how much compensation Horizon Therapeutics will agree to in a Tepezza lawsuit settlement. It’s crucial for victims to work with experienced Tepezza lawyers to ensure they receive fair and just compensation for their injuries and losses through the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit.
Tepezza Lawsuit FAQs
Is There a Lawsuit Against Tepezza?
Yes, there are lawsuits against Tepezza and its manufacturer. These lawsuits primarily stem from allegations that the medication has been linked to hearing issues, including permanent hearing loss, which the manufacturer allegedly failed to adequately warn consumers about. Individuals who have experienced hearing loss from Tepezza may be able to join the ongoing MDL (multidistrict litigation) that has been filed against Horizon Therapeutics. Victims can join MDL 3079, which is being tried in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois.
Has Tepezza Been Over-Marketed?
The current litigation against Tepezza’s manufacturer has been filed regarding Tepezza’s marketing, sales practices, and product liability. This means that attorneys across the country have taken issue with how Tepezza was marketed in addition to the product liability claims regarding hearing loss.
However, that doesn’t mean that Tepezza was “over-marketed.” Since it is the only medication with FDA approval to treat thyroid eye disease, Tepezza doesn’t need to be marketed very heavily. The issue that attorneys have taken with Tepezza’s marketing is how it failed to properly warn users of the risk of permanent hearing damage.
Is Tepezza Hearing Loss Permanent?
In some cases, patients who have suffered hearing loss as a result of Tepezza may experience permanent, irreversible hearing loss. However, not all patients who have experienced hearing issues after taking Tepezza have experienced permanent hearing loss. Early detection of hearing issues can help prevent permanent damage and preserve a patient’s hearing.
Are Tepezza Side Effects Permanent?
While many side effects of Tepezza are temporary and may resolve once the treatment is completed, some can be permanent. The most prominent long-lasting side effect from Tepezza infusions is hearing loss, but other side effects like high blood sugar and muscle spasms may persist after treatment has been completed.
It’s essential for individuals experiencing any side effects while using Tepezza to promptly report them to their healthcare provider, who can assess patients’ hearing. If you suffered hearing loss and these issues are detected early, medical professionals can work to treat the issue and discontinue Tepezza treatment to help prevent permanent hearing damage.
How Common is Hearing Loss With Tepezza?
The frequency of hearing loss associated with Tepezza is not definitively established. After clinical trials meant to assess patients’ hearing, Horizon Therapeutics has claimed that only 10% of patients taking Tepezza experienced hearing loss. However, third-party research has calculated that about 46% of patients taking Tepezza experienced hearing loss or other hearing issues.
What is the FDA Warning on Tepezza?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a warning on Tepezza regarding the potential for severe or permanent hearing impairment and hearing loss, which may be permanent. It also instructs healthcare professionals to monitor the patient’s hearing before, during, and after treatment to ensure the risks can be properly mitigated.
Does Tepezza Have a Black Box Warning?
As of March 2024, Tepezza does not have a black box warning. However, the FDA has placed a warning on the medication for permanent hearing loss following the recent Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits. While this is not as severe as a black box warning, it’s still designed to help warn users against the dangers of taking Tepezza.
How Long Does a Tepezza Settlement Take?
Since no Tepezza lawsuits or settlements have been resolved, it’s hard to say how long victims will have to wait for a Tepezza settlement. As of March 2024, no bellwether trials have been scheduled yet, but attorneys hope they can begin sometime within the next calendar year. From there, Tepezza attorneys will better understand the settlement timeline.
Sandy Springs Tepezza Lawyers for Tepezza Hearing Loss Class Action Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has experienced hearing issues such as permanent hearing impairment or hearing loss after using Tepezza, you may be entitled to compensation. At Ashenden & Associates, P.C., our team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Sandy Springs, GA, is here to help you seek justice for your losses.
We at Ashenden & Associates are dedicated to advocating for Tepezza users who have experienced hearing loss, and we want to help ensure you are properly compensated for your losses. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to gather evidence, assess your losses, and negotiate with the responsible parties to seek maximum compensation on your behalf.
Don’t wait to seek justice for your injuries–call our law firm at 770-394-8909 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Tepezza hearing loss attorney on our team.
