Taxotere is a drug used in the treatment of cancer, but it is now in the midst of potential lawsuits for serious side effects, namely permanent hair loss. If you have taken this drug or a generic version and suffered loss of hair, you may be entitled to compensation.
Taxotere is the brand name for docetaxel, which is a drug used in chemotherapy. It is prescribed as treatment for various types of cancer, including the following:
Taxotere may be prescribed alone or in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs. It is given intravenously. It works by interfering with the ability of the cancer cells to grow and spread to other regions.
This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction, which could be life-threatening. Symptoms of a reaction include a red skin rash that develops, hives and difficulty breathing. You may also notice swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue and feeling like you could pass out. If the swelling goes into the intestines, it can quickly cause death. Immediate attention is necessary for stomach pain, diarrhea or fever.
The risk of death as a side effect of Taxotere increases with high dosage, if the patient has liver disease or if they have been treated for non-small cell lung cancer in the past with other chemotherapy drugs that contain the compound platinum. Taking this medication could increase the risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia.
The drug may be harmful to the skin if it touches it during the infusion. Patients should alert their doctor if they notice pain, swelling around the IV or burning during injection. Doctors often prescribe frequent testing while the patient is taking this chemotherapy treatment.
Possible side effects from Taxotere include the following:
The most common side effects include low blood cell counts, infections, a changed sense of taste, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the limbs and muscle pain. Hair loss is another common side effect along with changes in the fingernails and toenails.
Taxotere is often given with other drugs to provide the best chance at recovery for the patient. Infusion usually lasts for one hour and is given on a cycle of three to four weeks. If cell counts are too low, the infusion may be delayed until they improve.
Permanent hair loss is one side effect that the manufacturer of Taxotere failed to warn patients about. While it is common for chemotherapy treatments to result in loss of hair, the condition is only temporary. Once treatment has ended, the hair will grow back.
With Taxotere, the hair loss is permanent, resulting in a condition known as permanent alopecia. What makes the situation so painful for patients is the fact that other drugs that work similarly to Taxotere don’t have the same side effect. Doctors could have prescribed alternatives if they had known about the risk.
The side effect is particularly damaging to the women who have gone through chemotherapy, often for breast cancer. They have already faced much loss and losing their hair permanently can do more damage for their self-esteem. It can result in depression and anxiety, while lowering their self-worth and self-confidence after battling a major illness.
If you were treated with Taxotere or its generic versions and suffered permanent hair loss, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss. It is important to file a lawsuit quickly because there may be a deadline on the amount of time you have to file.
You can file a lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis, the maker of Taxotere for medical bills, which include therapy and counseling. You can also include loss of earnings or potential earnings in the future if the condition has impacted your career, as well as mental and emotional distress.
Many times, the manufacturer will offer to settle rather than going through the cost and time of court. If you have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, they can fight on your behalf to ensure you get the maximum compensation for your claim.
While some may say that hair loss is a small price to pay for your health, Taxotere isn’t the only drug available with similar results. Other drugs are available to treat these cancers without the side effect of permanent hair loss. The manufacturer has a legal and moral obligation to warn the public about any side effects, allowing them to make an informed decision about taking the drug. Failure to do so makes them liable for the impact those side effects have on the person.
If you or a loved one has taken Taxotere as part of a chemotherapy treatment plan and suffered from permanent hair loss, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. This condition isn’t reversible, which means you will deal with the effects for the rest of your life.
You should contact our law firm for a free case evaluation to determine if you want to move forward with litigation. Our attorneys will fight for your rights and seek to negotiate the maximum settlement for your case. We have decades of experience to help clients get the compensation they deserve for their losses.
