Case Info
Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit
Tepezza (teprotumumab), manufactured by Horizon Therapeutics, is the first and only FDA-approved prescription medication to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). While initially marketed as an effective treatment for this debilitating condition in moderate-to-severe cases, recent studies have revealed that Tepezza is linked to a significantly higher risk of permanent hearing damages than what was disclosed during the FDA approval process.
Patients who have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza infusions may be entitled to significant compensation.
Serious Hearing Complications from Tepezza
Tepezza works by blocking insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors (IGF-1R), which helps reduce the inflammation and tissue expansion behind the eyes caused by Thyroid Eye Disease. However, these same receptors play a critical role in maintaining auditory function.
Reported hearing complications after taking Tepezza may include:
- Permanent or partial hearing loss
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Ear plugging, fullness, or pressure
- Autophony (abnormally loud hearing of one’s own voice)
- Muffled hearing
- Decreased word comprehension
- Patulous Eustachian tube dysfunction
Even months after discontinuing Tepezza treatment, patients may still suffer from persistent, long-term hearing problems. In many cases, the hearing loss is severe enough that they require the use of hearing aids to manage their condition.
Scientific Evidence and Medical Studies
A March 2021 study by the Endocrine Society examined 26 patients who received at least four Tepezza infusions. The researchers found:
- 65% of patients developed hearing problems, compared to just 10% reported in clinical trials
- Hearing issues typically developed after an average of 3.6 infusions
- Common symptoms included hearing loss, tinnitus, ear plugging, and autophony
- While some symptoms improved after stopping treatment, hearing loss was often persistent
Another February 2022 observational study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology followed 27 patients and found:
- 81.5% of patients developed new or worsening hearing symptoms
- Of those who experienced hearing loss, less than half (45.5%) experienced resolution
- Patients with pre-existing hearing issues were at significantly higher risk
- Objective testing confirmed hearing loss in multiple patients
Current Tepezza Litigation Status
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Horizon Therapeutics alleging that the company failed to adequately warn patients and physicians about the true risk of hearing damage, misrepresented the nature of hearing side effects as temporary when they could be permanent, downplayed the frequency of hearing complications, and failed to recommend proper hearing testing before and during treatment.
These cases are currently consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Illinois, with dozens more cases expected to be filed by patients harmed by this medication.
If you or someone you love experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), you may be eligible for substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Contact our experienced Tepezza attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.