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June 13th, 2023Individuals who blame the thyroid medication Tepezza for their hearing loss have successfully requested the creation of multidistrict litigation (MDL) to handle their lawsuits. On June 2, 2023, a judiciary panel consolidated allegations that the drug Tepezza leads to permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Approved to treat Graves’ Disease, a thyroid disease affecting the eyes, Tepezza has reportedly damaged the hearing of patients. The Tepezza MDL brings claims that manufacturers failed to conduct proper testing and warn patients about hearing loss before one judge.
Graves’ eye disease, also known as thyroid eye disease, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the eyes. The immune system mistakenly targets the tissues and muscles around the eyes, leading to inflammation and swelling. The condition typically manifests with various eye-related symptoms, such as bulging eyes, redness, excessive tearing, dryness, double vision, sensitivity to light, and eye pain or pressure. In severe cases, Graves’ eye disease can cause vision loss or impairment.
Tepezza has shown promising results in treating Graves’ eye disease. Developed by Horizon Therapeutics, Tepezza reduces the severity and progression of eye-related symptoms associated with Graves’ eye disease. Although the medication was supposed to offer hope for patients affected by Graves’ eye disease, studies have identified unintended consequences linked to Tepezza.
Tepezza patients with no history of hearing problems report hearing-related injuries after taking the drug, including hearing loss and tinnitus. Although Horizon Therapeutics’ clinical testing revealed a slim chance of temporary hearing side effects, further research has discovered Tepezza may increase the risk of permanent hearing issues.
Individuals have filed Tepezza lawsuits due to the undisclosed effects of the drug on patients’ hearing.
In late March 2023, plaintiffs filed a motion to centralize Tepezza claims into multidistrict litigation (MDL). Multidistrict litigation (MDL) consolidates similar lawsuits filed in different courts under one judge. It streamlines the legal process by promoting efficiency and consistent rulings on common issues to benefit all parties involved.
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) granted plaintiffs’ request to form a Tepezza MDL in June 2023. The JPML determined that all cases involve the same factual questions regarding Tepezza’s role in causing hearing loss and tinnitus in plaintiffs. Moreover, these lawsuits express worries about Horizon’s testing of Tepezza and the absence of hearing loss warnings on the drug’s label.
Horizon was against a Tepezza MDL, stating there are not enough cases to warrant an MDL. Yet the JPML disagreed, noting 37 lawsuits pending in eight districts. Plaintiffs predict this number will continue to rise, and if that is the case, coordinating cases will become increasingly challenging without an MDL.
The JPML transferred the lawsuits to the Northern District of Illinois, where the first Tepezza lawsuit filed is pending. The panel assigned the Honorable Thomas M. Durkin to oversee the Tepezza MDL.
Have you or a loved one suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after taking Tepezza? The Lake Law Firm is here to help. Our dedicated team of attorneys understands complex pharmaceutical litigation, making us equipped to handle your lawsuit. Contact The Lake Law Firm today at (888) 525-3529 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
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