As you navigate the complexities of healthcare, you might encounter medications like Tepezza, designed to treat thyroid eye disease. Tepezza has brought hope to many facing this condition, but it has also raised a significant concern: hearing loss.
Hearing is an integral part of your life, connecting you to the world around you and the people you cherish. When a medication meant to improve one aspect of health jeopardizes another, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps.
This article will navigate you through the crucial path to finding legal recourse if you’ve experienced Tepezza-induced hearing loss.
Understanding Tepezza and Its Risks
Tepezza, or teprotumumab, has become a widely used medication for individuals suffering from thyroid eye disease (TED). This condition causes the muscles and tissues around the eyes to inflame, leading to various eye-related problems. Tepezza has been a game-changer for many patients, as it can reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of TED.
However, Tepezza comes with its own set of potential side effects. One of the most concerning side effects is its association with hearing loss. Hearing loss is a condition that can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to understand the potential risks associated with Tepezza use.
In a study featured in Managed Healthcare Executive, researchers delved into reports of hearing-related incidents. These incidents were observed in eight oncology trials that encompassed 633 patients. These patients had received Tepezza either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other cancer therapies. Among these patients, 51 individuals (8.1%) reported ear-related adverse events, and 13 patients (2.1%) reported ear-related adverse events deemed linked to Tepezza.
Moreover, three patients (2.1%) experienced adverse effects related to the ears. This analysis supports the connection between thyroid autoimmune disease and the dangers to hearing brought on by Tepezza usage. While not everyone who takes Tepezza will experience this side effect, it’s crucial to be aware of the possibility.
Consultation with Medical Professionals
If you or someone you’re acquainted with has concerns regarding Tepezza-induced hearing loss, the initial and vital step is to seek advice from medical experts.
Begin by arranging a consultation with your primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They will assess your hearing and conduct necessary tests. It will determine the extent of the hearing loss and its potential connection to Tepezza use.
During your consultation, be sure to provide a detailed medical history. These include any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past, including Tepezza. Your medical team will use this information to help evaluate the possible cause of your hearing loss.
Legal Consultation
During a legal consultation, you can discuss your case in detail with an attorney specializing in pharmaceutical injury claims. They will evaluate the specifics of your situation, including your medical records, treatment history, and any documented side effects of Tepezza. They will help you understand whether you have a viable case against the manufacturer or other responsible parties.
Your attorney will also discuss potential legal pathways, such as joining a class-action lawsuit. For instance, multidistrict litigation (MDL) has gained popularity quite recently. According to The News Reporter, several cases are consolidated in MDL and filed in federal courts.
So, explore the possibility of MDL eligibility for your case. It’s worth noting that despite Horizon Therapeutics’ claim that there weren’t sufficient open cases, the Tepezza MDL was established on June 5. Judge Durkin initiated the first progress meeting with the involved parties near the end of June. As of July 2023, the MDL has accumulated 34 Tepezza cases.
Filing a Tepezza Lawsuit
The lawsuit-filling process can begin once you’ve consulted with a legal professional specializing in pharmaceutical cases and determined to have a valid claim.
Your attorney will guide you through the necessary legal procedures. It often involves preparing a complaint that outlines the details of your case. This complaint will include information about your Tepezza use.
It will also have information about the onset of hearing loss and its impact, which your attorney will rightly address. In filing the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit, the team will work together to establish a connection between your hearing loss and the medication. Also, it would require presenting evidence and testimony, which is crucial.
According to TorHoerman Law, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering. These may also include other damages associated with your condition. It’s essential to keep in mind that you must present relevant documentation of any charges associated with injuries or hearing issues. These might contain receipts and medical invoices, such as those for hearing device purchases.
Discovery Phase
In the discovery phase, both sides of the lawsuit (plaintiff and defendant) exchange information relevant to the case. It can include documents, medical records, emails, and other forms of evidence. Depositions may also occur, which involve witnesses providing sworn testimony under oath.
Your legal team will work diligently during this phase to collect evidence that supports your claims regarding Tepezza’s role in your hearing loss. They will also evaluate the evidence presented by the defendant.
Additionally, note the recent updates about the medication, as it can change the course of your lawsuit. For instance, according to Lawsuit Legal News, the FDA has updated Tepezza’s label and prescription instructions. It has added a warning of the potential for severe and permanent hearing damage as of July ’23.
It is crucial because it depends on whether the drug you were prescribed had the same labeling mentioned at the time of use. Since the lawsuit primarily relies on the manufacturer’s negligence in failing to warn users, this information can lead to different outcomes.
Negotiations and Settlements
During negotiations, your legal team and the defendants’ representatives will discuss the possibility of reaching a settlement agreement. A settlement is an agreement where both parties agree to certain terms and compensation to resolve the lawsuit. It can be a quicker and less uncertain way to achieve compensation for your hearing loss.
The settlement terms can vary widely, covering damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. The specifics depend on the details of your case and the willingness of the defendant to reach an agreement.
Trial Proceedings
During the trial, your legal team and the defendants’ legal representatives will present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments to support their positions. Your attorney will advocate for your rights and present a compelling case. It will demonstrate how Tepezza use led to your hearing loss and the damage you suffered.
A judge presides over the trial, ensuring the proceedings adhere to legal standards and rules. The jury, if applicable, listens to the evidence presented and ultimately delivers a verdict. The verdict may determine liability and the amount of compensation, if any, to be awarded.
Dedicated Legal Team Is Critically Essential
Seeking legal recourse for Tepezza-induced hearing loss is a journey of challenges and complexities. It begins with consulting medical professionals to understand your condition and its connection to the medication. Legal consultations and filing a lawsuit are essential steps in pursuing justice. During the process, negotiations and potential settlements may offer a resolution, but if not, a trial becomes necessary.
