Cancer patients try a variety of treatments to combat the destructive disease. Doctors recommend different primary and secondary treatments depending on the type of cancer. Treatment options range from surgery to chemotherapy and drugs. While all cancer treatments have side effects, some treatments may be more harmful than helpful. A cancer drug known as Taxotere may result in permanent damage for cancer patients. Individuals are filing Taxotere lawsuits, claiming the drug causes hair loss and eye injuries.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who suffered injuries after taking Taxotere. Did you take Taxotere and experience hair loss or vision damage? Call (888) 525-3529 or fill out the free case evaluation form on this page today to learn how The Lake Law Firm can help you.
Taxotere, also known as Docetaxel, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat several types of cancer. Patients receive Taxotere intravenously and usually alongside another chemotherapy drug. Taxotere stops the growth of cancer cells by making the cells too stiff to reproduce. The dosage and frequency of Taxotere depend on height, weight, and the type of cancer. Doctors administer Taxotere to treat cancers such as:
The FDA first approved Taxotere in 1999 to treat certain types of lung cancers. Then in 2004, the FDA approved Taxotere for breast cancer. Since then, it has become a popular cancer treatment, especially for breast cancer. Yet, several scientific studies have potentially linked the drug to life-altering side effects.
Sanofi-Aventis funded a study in the 1990s that researched the long-term effects of Taxotere. In 2005, the results showed that 9.2% of patients suffered permanent hair loss. In 2006, a study conducted at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers found that Taxotere could cause more than 6% of women to suffer permanent alopecia. Alopecia can result in hair loss on the head, eyebrows, eyelashes, underarms, and more. In another study, the Annals of Oncology followed 20 women who received Taxotere. All 20 experienced permanent alopecia.
In addition to hair loss, Taxotere may also cause vision damage. In December 2001, JAMA research revealed that 77% of Taxotere patients experienced epiphora. Epiphora is an eye condition that causes excessive tearing. In March 2022, a study identified that Taxotere users were at an increased risk of epiphora and optic nerve damage.
The manufacturer of Taxotere, Sanofi-Aventis, discloses a number of side effects associated with Taxotere. The company notes that cancer patients receiving Taxotere may experience low blood cell counts, fatigue, muscle pain, fluid retention, etc.
However, Taxotere lawsuits allege Sanofi-Aventis failed to inform patients that Taxotere may result in permanent alopecia and vision damage. Alopecia drastically alters victims’ physical appearance and mental state. The sudden hair loss disease can cause:
Taxotere may also impact a patient’s vision. Vision-related injuries potentially associated with Taxotere include:
Taxotere lawsuits allege that Sanofi-Aventis knew of the drug’s potential to cause vision damage and permanent alopecia, but kept the information from the public. Research concerning Taxotere’s unintended side effects dates as far back as the early 2000s. The lawsuits claim that the company promoted the benefits of Taxotere over other cancer drugs despite its connection with permanent hair loss and eyesight issues.
There are two types of multidistrict litigation (MDL) that concern the drug Taxotere. MDL-2740 involves plaintiffs who claim the drug causes permanent alopecia. Meanwhile, MDL-3023 contains plaintiffs who allege Taxotere contributes to vision damage and eye injuries. As of October 2023, there are 10,167 Taxotere hair loss lawsuits and 240 Taxotere eye injury lawsuits pending in federal court.
If you suffered permanent alopecia or eye injuries after receiving Taxotere, you may qualify for a Taxotere lawsuit. A Taxotere lawsuit may help you recover compensation for:
Hair loss is an unfortunate aspect of chemotherapy, but it is not typically permanent. Furthermore, even though doctors understand that some cancer treatments affect vision, Taxotere labeling did not adequately warn the public of the drug’s vision hazards. For years, research has revealed that Taxotere patients are more likely to develop long-term alopecia and eye injuries. Despite this evidence, Sanofi-Aventis did not notify the public about permanent hair loss or vision issues. Instead, in 2015, the FDA finally required that Taxotere’s warning label include permanent alopecia. Sanofi-Aventis did not disclose the extent of Taxotere’s possible side effects. This exclusion prevented cancer patients from making informed decisions concerning their cancer treatment.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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