Is Tepezza Hearing Loss Reversible?

Studies about whether Tepezza’s effects on hearing loss are reversible have shown mixed results. While many patients recover from the partial hearing loss, tinnitus, and related side effects they experience, some do not. Some people report permanent or temporary hearing loss months after stopping the medication.

Tepezza, the brand name of the drug teprotumumab, is the focus of multidistrict litigation (MDL). This mass tort focuses on whether the company adequately warned patients about the dangers. If you received Tepezza and experienced serious hearing-related side effects, you can speak to a mass torts attorney about your rights and legal options. Most provide free consultations.

Understanding Tepezza Hearing Loss

According to the lawsuits filed against the drug maker, the manufacturer knew Tepezza caused hearing-related side effects in many patients. This was evident in the clinical trials necessary before drug approval. However, those with severe or lasting symptoms claim the manufacturer provided inadequate warnings to doctors and patients.

According to research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, a small study of Tepezza patients at one hospital showed:

Up to 85 percent of patients experienced side effects during their first four infusions of Tepezza
46 percent reported hearing-related side effects
23 percent of those affected experienced little or no improvement in their symptoms after stopping the drug

The most common side effects in the study included:

Autophony (their voice seems very loud)
Ear plugged sensation
Muffled hearing
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

University of California-San Diego’s publication about this study documented the percentages of each symptom among these study participants. Each patient received one infusion every three weeks for a total dose of eight infusions. During this time, the side effects reported include:

29 percent reported autophony
27 percent reported tinnitus
23 percent reported hearing loss
12 percent reported a plugged-ear sensation

While small, this study shows how common hearing loss and other auditory adverse effects are after using this medication. Even more alarming is that the symptoms are not always reversible. Some people have hearing loss several months after discontinuing the infusions.

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What Is Tepezza?

Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is the first and only drug approved in the U.S. to treat thyroid eye disease. This disease occurs in people with hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease. The tissues behind the eyes become inflamed and lead to symptoms that include:

Eye bulging
Double vision
Eye pain
Redness
Swelling

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tepezza in January 2020. Clinical studies found the drug between 70 percent and 85 percent effective. In addition to hearing loss, the FDA reports the most common side effects as:

Muscle spasms
Nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach
Alopecia (hair loss)
Fatigue
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Dry skin
Altered sense of taste
Headache

Pending Litigation Against Tepezza Manufacturers

Tepezza manufacturer Horizon Therapeutics plc faces dozens of lawsuits from those who suffered side effects after taking the medication. They allege the company knew of a high risk of adverse auditory symptoms but failed to warn doctors and patients adequately.

According to a June 2023 report from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, there is a current MDL against the manufacturer. MDL 3079 IN RE: Tepezza Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation is underway in the Northern District of Illinois under the oversight of U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin.

This MDL is in the very early stages and has 41 plaintiffs as of this writing. Others filing lawsuits related to their Tepezza side effects will likely join this group in the coming months.

How MDLs Work in Dangerous Drug Lawsuits

Multidistrict litigation is a mass tort that consolidates many lawsuits for their initial stages. This includes:

Discovery
Pretrial motions
Bellwether trials

This allows the plaintiffs to use the money they pooled to build a case against the drug company, working together to build a case based on their shared circumstances. Then, the MDL tests this evidence in several jury trials. This shows how juries might react to the case, often prompting global or individual settlement offers when the plaintiffs develop a strong case to prove negligence and liability.

If a plaintiff does not accept a settlement offer during the MDL, they can take their case to trial in its original jurisdiction.

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Your Options After Tepezza Hearing Damage

If you experience temporary or lasting auditory symptoms after receiving Tepezza infusions for your thyroid eye disease, you may be able to sue the drug manufacturer and join the mass tort already in progress. This could allow you to recover compensation and hold the drug company accountable.

Your best option for learning more about your rights and the next steps is to discuss your symptoms and current health concerns with an attorney accepting these cases. Most provide free case assessments and work on contingency. This means they do not get paid unless their client wins the case.

You do not have to wonder about your rights or live with adverse health effects because of this potentially defective medication. You may be able to join dozens of others fighting to hold the drug manufacturer legally responsible. Speak to an attorney about filing a lawsuit today based on your hearing loss and related symptoms.

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Talk to a Mass Tort Attorney About Your Tepezza Hearing Loss Case Today

Van Law’s mass tort lawyers represent injury victims nationwide. Our attorneys will review your case and explain your options based on your symptoms and other circumstances. If you took Tepezza and experienced hearing loss or other side effects, you may have a case.

As you can see from our client testimonials, our team fights for the compensation clients deserve after suffering injuries or illnesses after using defective and dangerous drugs. We also work on a contingency fee agreement. You do not need to pay us any upfront fees for us to work on your case. We only get paid after you win.

Contact us now to get started with an initial consultation for free. Our experienced legal team is standing by to answer your questions.

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