Does Tepezza Cause Weight Gain?

Tepezza is a prescription medication used primarily for treating thyroid eye disease (TED). This intravenous drug is one of the longest-standing treatments for this medical condition. 

However, it has been known to cause a wide range of negative side effects, and many patients have experienced unexpected issues following a standard course of Tepezza. Such an outcome may leave patients asking questions like, “Does Tepezza cause weight gain?” 

If you or someone you love has suffered side effects after taking Tepezza, do not wait. Victims of hazardous prescription medication products deserve justice. Reach out to one of the accomplished tort attorneys at Morgan & Morgan to learn about your legal options. 

Our skilled team has decades of experience defending the rights of product liability victims. Depending on the nature of the harm you sustained, you may be owed significant financial compensation. 

You should not be stuck with the financial and personal harm caused by the use of prescription medication. The lawyers at Morgan and Morgan will review the facts of your case and help you determine the best course of action. 

Victims of Tepezza side effects can pursue reimbursement for associated medical costs, lost income, and more. Complete the easy-to-use contact form on our website today to schedule a no-cost legal consultation. We are ready to fight for the justice you deserve.

What Is Tepezza?

Tepezza is a prescription medication containing an active ingredient called teprotumumab. Doctors prescribe Tepezza to treat thyroid eye disease, also known as TED. 

This medical condition affects the eyes and surrounding tissues in patients with Graves’ disease. In early 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tepezza for use to treat TED. It is the first medication approved for treating this condition. 

Tepezza works by targeting the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). This receptor is believed to play a role in the development of TED symptoms.  

By blocking this receptor, the medication can reduce inflammation and prevent tissue expansion behind the eyes. The growth of such tissue often leads to eye bulging, double vision, and other symptoms associated with the disorder. 

In most cases, Tepezza is administered intravenously to patients once every three weeks. A typical treatment course consists of a total of eight infusions.  

The medication is manufactured by Horizon Therapeutics. Since its approval by the FDA, Tepezza has been associated with a number of negative side effects.

Known Side Effects of Tepezza

Patients who have been prescribed Tepezza have reported numerous side effects. But does Tepezza cause weight gain in patients?  

No. Weight fluctuations, including weight gain, are not one of the known side effects of this drug.  

But there are many other side effects that have severe consequences for patients. Many of the side effects associated with Tepezza can result in skyrocketing medical debt, decreased quality of life, and other types of harm. 

Some of the most common side effects experienced after using Tepezza are: 

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dry skin
• Muscle spasms
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• Diarrhea and other stomach issues 

Many of these conditions require medical attention to treat. 

There are other possible side effects of using Tepezza as well. Less common conditions requiring medical care include the following: 

• Reactions related to infusion, such as chills, rash, or fever
• Hypersensitivity reactions 
• Damage to the liver
• Difficulty breathing
• Infection

If you experience any of these conditions, speak with a medical care provider. Your doctor can weigh the potential benefits of the medication against the risks of any side effects and advise you accordingly.  

Care providers should monitor patients closely for any signs of adverse reactions while they are taking the medication. 

Depending on the nature of the harm you have experienced, you may be able to file a Tepezza-related legal claim for damages.

Understanding Product Liability Claims

A pharmaceutical product liability tort lawsuit is a legal claim filed by a person who suffered harm due to a defective medication. Product liability claims seek to hold a manufacturer, distributor, or seller responsible for any injury caused by their product. 

Pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals have a duty to take patients’ safety into account. Medications should be reasonably safe and prescribed appropriately at all times. 

To establish a product liability tort claim, the injured party needs to provide evidence of the following:

The Product Was Defective

There are three types of irregularities that may make a product defective. These are:

• Design defects
• Marketing defects
• Manufacturing defects 

In the case of Tepezza side effects, plaintiffs may claim that the manufacturer is responsible for the serious and adverse outcomes of using the medication.

The Defect Caused Harm

The injured party must prove that the defect in the product caused them harm, injury, or damage. Victims of Tepezza side effects must show that the medication was the cause of the harm they suffered.  

In many cases, this will involve providing evidence that Tepezza is associated with specific medical outcomes or conditions.

The Product Was Used as Intended 

The claimant must prove that they were using the product as it was intended to be used at the time of the injury. In the case of Tepezza, the patient will need to show that they were taking the drug as directed by their doctor.  

These claims can be complex and typically require the assistance of an experienced attorney who specializes in product liability law. If successful, a product liability tort claim may result in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury. 

Not every adverse outcome from using Tepezza will qualify as a product defect. To determine the viability of your claim, speak with one of the seasoned legal specialists at Morgan & Morgan. 

Examples of Compensation in Tepezza Side Effects Cases

The term “damages” is legalese for payments made by at-fault parties to injury, accident, or illness victims. Damages in Tepezza side effects tort claims can include reimbursement for both economic and non-economic losses.  

Economic damages compensate victims for quantifiable losses that can be measured in dollars. Non-economic damages, also called general damages, are meant to make up for losses that cannot be easily quantified.  

Some examples of common damages sought in drug side effects tort claims are:

Medical Expenses and Bills

Any medical costs related to the use of Tepezza can be claimed as economic losses. Often, victims must pay exorbitant costs for treatment and care related to the side effects of the drug. 

Examples of economic damages include payment awarded for: 

• Hospitalization
• Rehabilitation costs
• Surgical interventions
• Doctor’s appointments
• Additional prescription medications 

You should not have to pay for the health care costs resulting from a pharmaceutical company’s negligence. Speak with a litigator to calculate the full amount of damages you can pursue for your medical losses.

Lost Wages and Income

If the side effects of Tepezza prevent someone from working, that person may be entitled to compensation. 

Suppose that you experience hearing loss after using Tepezza, and you’re unable to work because of it. In this case, you can file a claim for the equivalent of the money you were prevented from earning. 

If your Tepezza side effects result in a permanent inability to make money, you can pursue damages for lost earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Many of the common side effects of Tepezza result in significant physical pain and discomfort. Compensation for this type of harm falls into the category of non-economic damages.

Pain and suffering compensation can encompass payment for: 

• Physical pain
• Emotional turmoil
• Anxiety and depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Inability to engage in recreational activities 

It can be challenging to determine the value of these intangible losses. Because of this, it is vital to consult with a Morgan and Morgan attorney about the pain and suffering damages you may be entitled to.

Disability

If the side effects from Tepezza cause permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for the long-term impact on your quality of life. Because Tepezza has been linked to permanent hearing loss, victims may be owed significant financial payment if they become disabled as a result of using the drug.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, the court may award punitive damages if the pharmaceutical company’s conduct was particularly malicious or egregious. 

Punitive damages are not compensatory. In other words, they are not intended to make up for the victim’s losses. Instead, they are meant to punish the at-fault party and prevent similar behavior from happening in the future. 

The specific damages that can be sought in a Tepezza side effects tort claim will depend on the facts of the case. The laws in the jurisdiction where the claim is filed will also affect the nature of the claim.  

A qualified attorney can provide more information on the damages that may be available in your particular case. Reach out to the knowledgeable staff at Morgan & Morgan with questions about possible damages in your Tepezza side effects case.