Tepezza (teprotumumab) was hailed as a breakthrough treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED) — the first drug approved by the FDA specifically for this painful, disfiguring condition. But for many patients, the treatment came with a devastating side effect they were never warned about: permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and deafness. If you took Tepezza and suffered hearing damage, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Thousands of patients have already filed Tepezza lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics (now part of Amgen), alleging the company knew — or should have known — about the hearing risks and failed to warn patients and doctors.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Tepezza lawsuits in 2026: what the drug is, what hearing damage it can cause, who qualifies to file, how much compensation you may be entitled to, and how to file your claim with the help of a Tepezza lawyer.
What Is Tepezza?
Tepezza is a prescription infusion drug approved by the FDA in January 2020 for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy. TED is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye, leading to bulging eyes (proptosis), double vision, eye pain, redness, and in severe cases, vision loss.
Tepezza works by blocking the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), which plays a role in the inflammation and tissue expansion behind the eye. It is administered as a series of eight intravenous infusions, given once every three weeks over approximately five months.
For many TED patients, Tepezza was life-changing — reducing eye bulging, improving double vision, and relieving pain. But clinical trials and post-marketing reports soon revealed a troubling pattern: a significant percentage of patients experienced hearing-related side effects, ranging from mild tinnitus to permanent, irreversible hearing loss.
The Hearing Loss Problem
Hearing damage is now one of the most serious and widely reported side effects of Tepezza. According to studies and adverse event reports, the hearing problems linked to Tepezza include:
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve — often permanent and irreversible. This is the most serious form of hearing damage linked to Tepezza.
- Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears. For some patients, tinnitus continues long after treatment ends.
- Conductive hearing loss: Problems with sound transmission through the outer or middle ear.
- Hyperacusis: Abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds, making normal environments painful.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: A feeling of fullness, pressure, or popping in the ears.
- Autophony: Hearing your own voice, breathing, or heartbeat abnormally loudly.
- Partial or total deafness: In severe cases, patients have experienced significant or complete hearing loss in one or both ears.
Research published in medical journals has found that hearing-related adverse events occur in a substantial proportion of Tepezza patients — with some studies reporting rates as high as 60-80% experiencing some form of hearing symptom, and a meaningful percentage suffering lasting damage. Crucially, many patients report that their hearing problems did not resolve after stopping Tepezza, contradicting early assurances that the side effects were temporary.
The Tepezza Lawsuits: What Are Plaintiffs Alleging?
Tepezza lawsuits have been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) — In re: Tepezza (Teprotumumab) Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3079, in the Northern District of Illinois. Thousands of individual lawsuits have been filed, and the litigation continues to grow in 2026.
Plaintiffs in these lawsuits make several core allegations against Horizon Therapeutics (now Amgen):
1. Failure to Warn
The central allegation is that Horizon knew — or should have known — that Tepezza could cause serious, permanent hearing damage, but failed to adequately warn patients and prescribing physicians. The original FDA-approved drug label did not include a prominent warning about hearing loss. Plaintiffs argue that had they been properly warned, they would have made a different decision about treatment, sought hearing monitoring, or stopped treatment sooner.
2. Knowledge from Clinical Trials
Plaintiffs point to evidence that hearing-related side effects appeared in Tepezza's own clinical trials before FDA approval. They argue the company had early signals of the hearing risk but downplayed them, characterizing hearing changes as mild or transient when the real-world evidence suggested otherwise.
3. Inadequate Post-Marketing Surveillance
After Tepezza hit the market, adverse event reports of hearing loss accumulated rapidly. Plaintiffs allege the company failed to act promptly on these signals — failing to update the label, issue warnings, or recommend baseline and ongoing hearing monitoring for patients.
4. Aggressive Marketing
Lawsuits also allege that Horizon aggressively marketed Tepezza to TED patients and physicians while minimizing discussion of hearing risks, emphasizing the drug's benefits without giving fair balance to its dangers.
In 2023, the FDA did require a label update adding a warning about hearing impairment, including the risk of severe hearing loss. Plaintiffs argue this update came too late — after thousands of patients had already been harmed.
Who Qualifies to File a Tepezza Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file a Tepezza lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- You received Tepezza infusions. You were prescribed and received at least one Tepezza infusion for thyroid eye disease. Most qualifying plaintiffs completed some or all of the eight-infusion course.
- You suffered hearing damage. You experienced hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing problems during or after Tepezza treatment. This includes sensorineural hearing loss, persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, or deafness.
- Your hearing damage was diagnosed or documented. You have medical records, audiology test results, or physician notes documenting your hearing problems. An audiogram showing hearing loss is particularly valuable evidence.
- Your hearing problems were new or worsened after Tepezza. You did not have the same level of hearing damage before starting Tepezza. If you had pre-existing hearing issues, you may still qualify if Tepezza significantly worsened them.
- You are within the statute of limitations. Each state sets a deadline for filing product liability claims, typically 2-3 years from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury. Do not wait — deadlines vary by state and can bar your claim entirely.
You do not need to have stopped taking Tepezza to qualify. You do not need to prove that Tepezza was the only cause of your hearing loss — only that it was a substantial contributing factor. And you do not need to have filed an FDA adverse event report, though doing so can strengthen your case.
If a loved one took Tepezza and suffered hearing damage, family members may also have claims in certain circumstances — particularly if the patient has passed away or is unable to pursue a claim themselves.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Tepezza lawsuits seek compensation for the full range of harms caused by hearing damage. Depending on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, recoverable damages may include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Audiology exams, ENT specialist visits, hearing tests, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tinnitus treatment, and any ongoing hearing-related care — past and future.
- Lost wages: Income lost because hearing damage prevented you from working, required time off for treatment, or forced you to reduce hours.
- Loss of earning capacity: If hearing loss permanently limits your ability to work in your profession — for example, if you can no longer work in a job that requires normal hearing — you may recover the difference in lifetime earnings.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Travel to specialists, assistive devices, hearing aid batteries and maintenance, captioning services, and home modifications.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, headaches, and the distress of losing a sense.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, isolation, and frustration caused by hearing loss.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to enjoy music, conversations, social gatherings, or activities you once loved.
- Loss of consortium: In some states, a spouse may recover for the impact of hearing loss on the marital relationship.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the manufacturer's conduct was especially reckless — such as knowingly downplaying a serious risk — courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the company and deter similar behavior. Whether punitive damages are available depends on the laws of your state and the specific facts of your case.
Tepezza Settlement Values in 2026
It is impossible to predict the exact value of any individual Tepezza case, because settlements depend on the severity of hearing damage, the strength of the evidence, the plaintiff's age and occupation, and the jurisdiction. However, based on the trajectory of the litigation and comparable pharmaceutical cases, legal analysts expect Tepezza settlement values to vary significantly by injury tier:
- Mild / temporary hearing symptoms: Cases involving mild tinnitus or temporary hearing changes that resolved may see lower-value settlements, potentially in the range of $25,000 to $100,000.
- Moderate hearing loss: Cases involving documented, persistent hearing loss requiring hearing aids or ongoing treatment may command settlements in the range of $100,000 to $400,000.
- Severe / permanent hearing loss: Cases involving significant sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral hearing loss, or deafness — especially in younger plaintiffs or those whose careers were affected — may reach $400,000 to $1,000,000 or more.
- Exceptional cases: Cases involving total deafness, profound impact on earning capacity, or particularly egregious facts may exceed these ranges, especially if they go to trial.
These figures are estimates, not guarantees. Many cases in the MDL may resolve through a global settlement program with a tiered compensation matrix based on objective criteria (audiogram results, duration of symptoms, treatment history). Bellwether trials — test cases selected to gauge how juries respond — will also shape settlement values. A Tepezza lawyer can evaluate your specific case and give you a realistic assessment of its potential value.
Individual Lawsuit vs. Class Action vs. MDL
Understanding the structure of Tepezza litigation is important:
- Individual lawsuit: Your case is filed as its own lawsuit. You retain control over settlement decisions, and your compensation is based on your specific injuries. This is the most common path for Tepezza claims.
- Multidistrict litigation (MDL): Individual Tepezza lawsuits filed in federal court have been transferred to MDL No. 3079 for coordinated pretrial proceedings — shared discovery, expert testimony, and bellwether trials. Your case remains your own, but pretrial work is streamlined. Most pharmaceutical mass torts proceed through an MDL.
- Class action: Tepezza cases are generally not proceeding as a class action, because each plaintiff's hearing damage and losses are different. MDL preserves individual claims while gaining the efficiency of coordinated proceedings.
A Tepezza lawyer can file your case in the appropriate court and ensure it is included in the MDL if eligible, or handled in state court if that is strategically preferable.
How to File a Tepezza Lawsuit: 7 Steps
- Contact a Tepezza lawyer for a free case evaluation. Most Tepezza attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront. Bring any medical records, prescription information, and notes about your hearing symptoms.
- Gather your medical records. Your lawyer will help you collect: Tepezza infusion records (dates, number of infusions, treating facility), audiology test results and audiograms, ENT specialist records, primary care records, and any documentation of hearing complaints before, during, and after treatment.
- Get a current hearing evaluation. If you have not had a recent audiology exam, your lawyer may recommend one. An up-to-date audiogram documenting the extent of your hearing loss is critical evidence.
- Document your damages. Keep records of: hearing aid purchases and costs, medical bills, lost wages, missed work, and a personal journal describing how hearing loss affects your daily life, work, relationships, and activities.
- Your lawyer files your complaint. Your attorney drafts and files a legal complaint against Horizon Therapeutics / Amgen, detailing your injuries and the legal claims (failure to warn, defective design, negligence, and others). The case may be transferred into the MDL.
- Discovery and expert review. Both sides exchange evidence. Your lawyer will work with medical experts (audiologists, ENTs, pharmacologists) to establish the link between Tepezza and your hearing damage.
- Settlement or trial. Most pharmaceutical cases settle — either through individual negotiation or a global settlement program. If a fair settlement is not offered, your lawyer may take your case to trial. You decide whether to accept any settlement offer; your lawyer advises you but cannot settle without your consent.
Statute of Limitations: Do Not Wait
Every state sets a deadline — the statute of limitations — for filing a product liability lawsuit. For Tepezza claims, the deadline is typically 2-3 years, but it varies by state. The clock usually starts running when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that Tepezza caused your hearing damage — not necessarily when you received the infusions.
This is critical: if you miss the deadline, you lose your right to compensation permanently, no matter how strong your case. Because the discovery date can be disputed and deadlines vary, the safest course is to contact a Tepezza lawyer as soon as possible after learning about the connection between Tepezza and hearing loss. A lawyer can determine the applicable deadline for your state and ensure your claim is filed on time.
How Much Does a Tepezza Lawyer Cost?
Nearly all Tepezza lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- No upfront cost. You pay nothing to hire the lawyer or file your case.
- No hourly fees. The lawyer advances the costs of litigation (filing fees, expert witnesses, medical record retrieval).
- You pay only if you win. The lawyer receives a percentage of your settlement or verdict — typically 33-40%. If you recover nothing, you owe no attorney fees.
- Free consultation. Your initial case evaluation is free, with no obligation.
Before signing a fee agreement, ask your lawyer to explain the percentage, how litigation costs are handled, and whether the percentage changes if the case goes to trial. Reputable firms are transparent about fees.
How to Choose the Right Tepezza Lawyer
- Experience with pharmaceutical mass torts. Choose a firm that has handled drug injury cases and MDL litigation — not a general personal injury lawyer with no mass tort experience.
- Tepezza-specific knowledge. Your lawyer should understand the Tepezza MDL, the science of hearing damage, and the current status of settlement negotiations.
- Resources. Pharmaceutical litigation requires medical experts, extensive discovery, and the financial ability to take on a large corporation. Choose a firm with the resources to fight.
- Clear communication. Your lawyer should explain the process, keep you updated, and answer your questions promptly.
- No upfront fees. Any reputable Tepezza lawyer works on contingency. Avoid any firm that asks for money upfront.
- Client reviews and track record. Look for firms with verifiable results in pharmaceutical and mass tort cases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long. Missing the statute of limitations is the single most costly mistake. Contact a lawyer early.
- Not getting hearing documentation. Without audiograms and medical records, your claim is much harder to prove. Get evaluated and keep records.
- Accepting a quick lowball offer. Do not accept any settlement from the manufacturer or insurer without consulting your lawyer. Early offers are almost always far below fair value.
- Posting about your case on social media. Defense lawyers monitor social media. Do not discuss your case, symptoms, or settlement expectations online.
- Signing anything without legal review. Do not sign releases, medical authorizations, or settlement documents from the manufacturer without your lawyer's review.
- Assuming you don't qualify. Many people assume their hearing problems are "just aging" or too mild to matter. Let a lawyer evaluate your case — you may qualify even if your symptoms seem modest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a lawyer if my hearing loss seems mild?
Yes. Even mild or moderate hearing damage can qualify for compensation, and symptoms sometimes worsen over time. A lawyer can evaluate your case for free and advise you on whether filing makes sense.
What if I only had a few Tepezza infusions?
You may still qualify. Hearing damage has been reported even after a small number of infusions. Your lawyer will review your infusion history and medical records to assess your claim.
What if I had hearing problems before Tepezza?
You may still have a claim if Tepezza worsened your hearing. Pre-existing hearing issues do not automatically disqualify you — the question is whether Tepezza caused additional, measurable damage.
Can I file if I already settled another claim?
It depends on what you settled. If you signed a release related to Tepezza, it may bar a new claim. Bring any prior settlement documents to your lawyer for review.
How long does a Tepezza lawsuit take?
Mass tort cases typically take 1-3 years from filing to resolution, depending on MDL progress, bellwether trials, and settlement negotiations. Some cases may resolve sooner through a global settlement program; others may take longer if they go to trial.
Will I have to go to court?
Probably not. Most Tepezza cases are expected to settle without the plaintiff ever appearing in court. However, your lawyer should prepare every case as if it will go to trial — that is what creates settlement leverage.
The Bottom Line
Tepezza gave many thyroid eye disease patients hope — but for thousands, it also caused hearing damage that has permanently changed their lives. If you took Tepezza and suffered hearing loss, tinnitus, or deafness, you deserve to have your case evaluated by an experienced Tepezza lawyer. The litigation is active, the MDL is moving forward, and compensation may be available — but strict deadlines apply.
Contact a Tepezza lawyer today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. There is no upfront cost, and you pay nothing unless you recover compensation. Do not wait — protect your rights and get the answers you deserve.
Disclaimer: Informational only, not legal advice. Tepezza litigation is ongoing and outcomes vary by case. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice about your specific situation.
