Who Is Eligible for the Tepezza Lawsuit?

Tepezza (teprotumumab) is a prescription medication designed to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), which causes inflammation and bulging of the eyes.

However, lawsuits against Tepezza’s manufacturer, Horizon Therapeutics, allege that the drug causes permanent hearing loss and tinnitus without adequate warning to patients.

Many individuals who took Tepezza for thyroid eye disease and later suffered serious hearing-related side effects may file a lawsuit. This article explains who qualifies for a Tepezza lawsuit, the legal basis for these claims, and how victims can seek compensation.

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Why Are Lawsuits Being Filed Against Tepezza?

The FDA approved Tepezza in 2020 as the first drug to treat thyroid eye disease. However, post-market reports and recent studies have suggested a strong link between Tepezza and irreversible hearing damage.

Lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics claim that:

• The company failed to warn patients and doctors about the risks of hearing loss and tinnitus.
• Tepezza’s manufacturer misrepresented the safety of the drug, despite clinical studies showing a risk of hearing impairment.
• Many patients would not have taken Tepezza if they had known about the possibility of permanent hearing damage.

Because of these allegations, patients who suffered hearing-related side effects may seek compensation through a Tepezza lawsuit.

Who Is Eligible for a Tepezza Lawsuit?

Individuals may qualify for a Tepezza lawsuit if they experienced the side effects.

• Took Tepezza for thyroid eye disease (TED).
• Experienced hearing-related side effects, such as:
  • Permanent hearing loss.
  • Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears).
  • Autophony (hearing one’s own voice abnormally loudly).
  • Sound distortion or sensitivity to noise.
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction (ear pressure issues).
• Did not receive proper warnings about these risks from their doctor or the drug’s manufacturer.

If you or a loved one took Tepezza and later suffered hearing loss, you may have grounds for legal action against Horizon Therapeutics.

What Scientific Evidence Links Tepezza to Hearing Loss?

Several medical studies and reports have raised concerns about Tepezza’s impact on hearing:

• A study published in the Endocrine Society Journal found that 65% of Tepezza patients reported some form of hearing loss or tinnitus after treatment.
• The FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) has documented numerous patient complaints about irreversible hearing damage.
• Horizon Therapeutics’ own clinical trials acknowledged a risk of hearing issues but allegedly they downplayed the severity and permanence of the effects.

These findings suggest that Tepezza’s hearing-related side effects were more serious and widespread than initially reported, forming the basis for legal claims.

What Damages Can Tepezza Victims Seek in a Lawsuit?

Plaintiffs filing a Tepezza lawsuit may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses for hearing tests, hearing aids, and treatments.
• Pain and suffering for the emotional and psychological toll of hearing loss.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if hearing damage affects job performance.
• Loss of quality of life, especially for individuals who rely on hearing for their careers (e.g., musicians, teachers, public speakers).
• Punitive damages if Horizon Therapeutics is found to have acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for patient safety.

Because hearing loss is a lifelong condition, settlements or verdicts in Tepezza lawsuits could result in substantial compensation.

How Does Product Liability Law Apply to the Tepezza Lawsuit?

Tepezza lawsuits are based on product liability claims, meaning that Horizon Therapeutics may be held legally responsible for failing to properly warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks of hearing loss.

The legal claims typically fall into one or more of the following categories:

1. Failure to Warn (Marketing Defect)

• Horizon Therapeutics allegedly failed to provide adequate warnings about the severity and permanence of Tepezza-related hearing damage.
• Horizon Therapeutics allegedly failed to inform patients about the risks before taking the drug.

2. Design Defect

• Some lawsuits argue that Tepezza was inherently dangerous due to its mechanism of action affecting auditory pathways.

3. Negligence

• Horizon Therapeutics had a duty to research and disclose safety risks.
• If the company knew or should have known about hearing loss risks but failed to act, it could be found negligent.

These legal theories form the basis of ongoing litigation against the manufacturer.

Is Tepezza Part of a Mass Tort or Class-Action Lawsuit?

Currently, the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois has consolidated Tepezza lawsuits into multidistrict litigation to streamline the legal process.

• Mass tort cases allow each plaintiff to file an individual lawsuit while still benefiting from shared evidence, expert testimony, and legal strategies.
• Unlike class-action cases, each plaintiff’s specific damages determine compensation, rather than a group dividing it equally.

Also Read: Mass Tort vs. Class Action Lawsuits

How Long Do You Have to File a Tepezza Lawsuit?

Each state has different statutes of limitations for filing a defective drug lawsuit.

Generally, the deadline is:

• Two to three years from the date you first experienced hearing loss.
• Longer time frames in some states if the injury was not immediately discovered.

Since deadlines vary by jurisdiction, it’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing your window to file a claim.

What to Expect If You File a Tepezza Lawsuit

If you believe you qualify for a Tepezza lawsuit, the legal process typically involves:

1. Case Evaluation – A legal team reviews your medical history and hearing loss symptoms to determine eligibility.
2. Filing a Complaint – A lawsuit is formally filed against Horizon Therapeutics.
3. Gathering Evidence – Your lawyer will collect medical records, FDA reports, and expert testimony.
4. Settlement Negotiations – In many cases, pharmaceutical companies offer settlements to avoid trial.
5. Trial (if necessary) – If a settlement is not reached, the case may go to court, where a judge or jury will decide damages.

The legal process can take months or years, but compensation could be substantial for victims who suffered permanent hearing loss.

Can Family Members File a Tepezza Lawsuit on Behalf of a Loved One?

In cases where the affected individual cannot file a lawsuit themselves due to severe hearing loss, disability, or death, family members may be able to take legal action on their behalf.

Potential claimants include:

• Spouses filing on behalf of their partner.
• Adult children representing elderly parents.
• Legal guardians filing for individuals with cognitive impairments.
• Executors of an estate pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.

If a family member suffered hearing loss from Tepezza and cannot file their own claim, consulting with a lawyer can help determine if a wrongful death or injury lawsuit can be pursued on their behalf.

How Do Tepezza Lawsuits Compare to Other Defective Drug Cases?

Pharmaceutical lawsuits often follow similar legal patterns, especially when a company is accused of failing to warn patients about serious risks.

The Tepezza lawsuits share similarities with:

• Zantac Cancer Lawsuits – Plaintiffs claimed that the manufacturer knew about cancer risks but failed to warn users.
• Ozempic & Wegovy Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits – Victims are suing manufacturers for not properly disclosing serious digestive issues.

Are There Any Settlements or Verdicts in Tepezza Lawsuits Yet?

Since Tepezza litigation is still in its early stages, no settlements or verdicts have been announced. However, as more plaintiffs file lawsuits and evidence of manufacturer negligence strengthens, potential settlement discussions may occur.

In similar pharmaceutical lawsuits, settlements have ranged from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

• The severity of the victim’s hearing loss.
• The strength of scientific evidence linking Tepezza to auditory damage.
• The number of plaintiffs filing claims.

Tracking Tepezza lawsuit updates and mass tort litigation trends can provide insight into how these cases may develop.

What Evidence Is Needed to File a Tepezza Lawsuit?

To build a strong Tepezza hearing loss claim, plaintiffs will need to provide:

1. Medical records proving Tepezza use and diagnosis of thyroid eye disease (TED).
2. Audiology test results confirming hearing loss, tinnitus, or auditory nerve damage.
3. Doctor’s notes or second opinions linking hearing loss to Tepezza exposure.
4. Personal testimony detailing when symptoms began and how they impacted daily life.
5. Pharmacy records confirming the prescription history.

Collecting comprehensive medical documentation can increase the chances of receiving compensation in a Tepezza lawsuit.

How Do FDA Warnings Impact Tepezza Lawsuits?

The FDA plays a key role in defective drug lawsuits by issuing safety alerts and warning labels.

• If the FDA updates Tepezza’s label to include stronger hearing loss warnings, this could support lawsuits by proving the manufacturer failed to warn earlier.
• If the FDA issues a recall or black box warning, it could increase the likelihood of settlements or legal victories for plaintiffs.
• If Horizon Therapeutics voluntarily recalls Tepezza, this may indicate an admission of safety concerns, strengthening legal claims.

Because the FDA monitors post-market safety reports, tracking future regulatory actions can impact the outcome of Tepezza litigation.

What If You Signed a Waiver Before Taking Tepezza?

Some patients may worry that signing medical consent forms before treatment prevents them from filing a lawsuit.

However, waivers do not shield drug manufacturers from liability in cases of:

• Negligence – If Horizon Therapeutics knew about the hearing risks but failed to warn doctors or patients properly.
• Failure to warn – Even if a waiver acknowledged general risks, it may not have fully disclosed the likelihood of permanent hearing loss.
• Misrepresentation – If patients were led to believe hearing loss was temporary when evidence suggests otherwise.

If a doctor did not fully explain the risks or if the manufacturer failed to provide accurate safety information, a lawsuit may still be viable.

Can You File a Tepezza Lawsuit If You Already Received a Settlement Offer?

Some patients may have received an early settlement offer from Horizon Therapeutics.

However, accepting a low settlement may:

• Limit future compensation if new evidence strengthens lawsuits.
• Prevent you from joining future mass tort cases or MDLs.
• Fail to cover long-term medical costs associated with hearing loss fully.

Before accepting any settlement offer, it is advisable to consult a lawyer to determine whether the amount is fair and if a lawsuit could result in higher compensation.

What Is the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Hearing Loss in Tepezza Cases?

Some patients experience temporary hearing issues, while others suffer permanent damage after taking Tepezza.

The difference between temporary and permanent effects impacts legal claims and settlement values.

• Temporary Hearing Loss – May include mild to moderate tinnitus or muffled hearing that improves after stopping treatment.
• Permanent Hearing Loss – Includes irreversible damage to the auditory nerve or inner ear, requiring hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Because permanent hearing damage has lifelong consequences, these cases typically result in higher compensation.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Tepezza Claim?

If you suspect that Tepezza caused your hearing loss, taking these steps can protect your legal rights:

1. Schedule a hearing evaluation with an audiologist to document your symptoms.
2. Request copies of your Tepezza prescription history from your pharmacy.
3. Keep a journal detailing when your symptoms began and how they have affected your daily life.
4. Contact a legal professional to evaluate your eligibility for a Tepezza lawsuit.

Since lawsuits have filing deadlines, acting quickly can help ensure that your claim is processed within the statute of limitations.

What Are the Long-Term Costs of Tepezza-Related Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss caused by Tepezza may create lifelong financial burdens for affected individuals.

• Hearing aids or cochlear implants can cost thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
• Speech therapy and hearing rehabilitation may be necessary to adjust to hearing impairment.
• Career changes may be required for individuals who rely on hearing for work.
• Mental health treatment may be necessary to manage the psychological effects of hearing loss.

Because these expenses add up over time, lawsuits seek to recover full compensation for current and future medical needs.

How a Lawyer Can Help With a Tepezza Lawsuit

Navigating a pharmaceutical lawsuit can be complex, but working with an attorney can help maximize compensation. A lawyer can:

• Determine if you qualify based on your medical history.
• Gather evidence to prove your hearing loss was caused by Tepezza.
• Negotiate settlements with Horizon Therapeutics.
• File lawsuits within the legal deadline before statutes of limitations expire.

Because these cases involve large pharmaceutical companies with strong legal teams, having an experienced attorney is crucial to securing fair compensation.

Can You File a Tepezza Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one took Tepezza and later suffered hearing loss or tinnitus, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics. 

Holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to warn patients is crucial in seeking justice and financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Since deadlines apply to filing claims, it’s important to act quickly. A legal case evaluation can help determine your eligibility and next steps.

Call (888) 984-6195 today for a free, no-obligation case review, and get connected to a lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve.