What is the Problem with Taxotere?
Taxotere has been linked to permanent hair loss and baldness in breast cancer patients who have been treated with the drug. In the 1960s Sanofi developed an alternative to Taxol and claimed it increased the potency of the drug, thereby making it more effective; however, the FDA initially said the drug was too toxic and would not approve it. Sanofi went back to the drawing board, changed its marketing and later the drug was approved.
Research has repeatedly linked permanent hair loss to Taxotere. In 2005, Sanofi told the European Medicines Agency (the equivalent of the FDA) that it found permanent hair loss in 9.2 percent of Taxotere patients. This was Sanofi’s ownstudy. A 2013 study published by the National Cancer Institute found permanent hair loss as a side effect in 10-15 percent of patients who took Taxotere.
Multiple studies also suggest that Taxotere is no more effective than alternative chemotherapy treatments, such as Taxol, that do not cause permanent hair loss.
Do I Have a Taxotere Lawsuit?
Breast cancer survivors with hair loss persisting longer than six months after treatment should contact Langdon & Emison to have their case reviewed for a potential Taxotere claim.
Lawsuits are being filed across the country against Taxotere manufacturer, Sanofi, for failing to warn U.S. doctors and patients about the risks of permanent hair loss associated with Taxotere treatment. Despite knowing about the risk of permanent, disfiguring hair loss, Sanofi-Aventis provided no such warning on the drug’s label from 1999 through December 2015.
Sanofi reported evidence of permanent hair loss in Europe but hid the danger of from U.S. patients to increase its market share and profits. Lawsuits allege Sanofi-Aventis lied to American doctors and patients in order to gain market share. In 2014, the pharmaceutical giant reported revenues of $36.5 billion. According to the FDA, Sanofi also misled U.S. patients about the drug’s effectiveness in treating breast cancer.
Why Choose Langdon & Emison Taxotere Lawyers?
Langdon & Emison is recognized as one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have successfully represented clients across the country in cases involving defective drugs and other instances of negligence. Our verdicts and settlements across an array of personal injury litigation total more than $700 million.
Clients come to us because they receive the personal attention they deserve when dealing with a tragedy or difficult circumstance. We are not a call center. We work with our clients one-on-one and give each of them a dedicated team of legal assistants, paralegals and attorneys. We take as much time as needed to listen and gather all of the facts about your case, and we are quick to respond when you have questions or require assistance. To learn more about Taxotere lawsuits or for a free case evaluation, contact us at 866-931-2115. You can also complete the form on this page or click on the chat button to the right.
