The prescription drug Tepezza is used extensively to treat people with thyroid eye disease. However, the latest research shows that instead of helping your eyesight, the medication might be hurting your hearing. Studies have found that patients taking Tepezza have a higher risk of Tinnitus, hearing loss, and other audible problems.

This article will guide you to understand Tepezza infusion, the side effects, who can sue, and what damages you can receive.

What Is Tepezza

Sold under the brand name Tepezza, Teprotumumab is the first and only FDA-approved drug in the U.S. to treat people with TED (thyroid eye disease). Horizon Therapeutics, a healthcare prescription company, distributes it.

Also known as Graves' eye disease, TED is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to tissues behind the eye, including the muscle. This inflammation or swelling can push the eyes forward, causing bulging, often known as proptosis. In addition, individuals with TED may have red, watery, dry eyes, double vision, or trouble closing their eyelids.

Tepezza is an intravenous (IV) medicine delivered through injection by a professional healthcare provider. Typically, patients get one infusion every three weeks, for a total of eight infusions.

In January 2020, the FDA approved Tepezza, but since then, many studies have discovered that it can cause hearing issues in patients using it.

Side Effects

In clinical trials, Tepezza was increasingly effective at improving double vision, inflammation, bulging of eyes, and TED patients’ quality of life.

In the beginning, only 10% of patients reported hearing issues, which were reversed when they stopped taking medication. However, a new study found that 65% of people who received Tepezza infusions reported hearing loss and other hearing-related issues.

After taking Tepezza, patients experienced subjective hearing impairment, Tinnitus, the feeling of clogged ears, and Authophony. A few patients have also developed patulous eustachian tube dysfunction, where the ear tube remains stuck open.

Other side effects not concerning hearing problems are common while taking Tepezza. These may include fatigue, muscle spasm, or nausea. Overall, many complications could arise from Tepezza, but the severity is broad.

Lawsuits

People who experienced Tinnitus or hearing loss after receiving Teprotumumab infusions started filing suits against Horizon.

The allegations of the lawsuit against Tepezza include Horizon failing to adequately research the medication before launching. People also believe that Horizon knew about the auditory problems related to Tepezza and failed to notify doctors and patients. Lastly, claims arguing that Horizon failed to issue prompt recalls or warnings to those using their drug have been made.

The number of Tepezza infusions cases filed throughout the country is still limited. However, more lawsuits will follow as more people experience hearing loss, which can turn the lawsuit into a class action MDL.

You can sue Horizon Therapeutics for damages and other compensation if you received at least one teprotumumab or Tepezza infusion and have sustained a health problem such as hearing loss or Tinnitus from it.

Available Damages

If you or a loved one has developed hearing problems after taking Tepezza, you could be eligible to claim damages and other financial compensation.

Physical distress, medical equipment, prescriptions, or surgery costs could be covered. Some people may be eligible for compensation for lost wages, inconvenience, emotional distress, and out-of-pocket expenses.

The best way to see if you are eligible for damages from Tepezza is to talk to a professional. Legal advice will help you navigate the process of suing and set you up for the best possible outcome.

Key Takeaways

If you or your loved one received Tepezza infusions for TED and subsequently developed hearing loss or other auditory problems, you can file a lawsuit against Horizon Theaurapudics. Understanding the lawsuit and process can start your journey to healing and getting deserved compensation.