Chemotherapy Drug Taxotere Linked to Permanent Hair Loss
Taxotere, also known as Docetaxel, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat breast cancer and other forms of cancer. Taxotere has been linked to permanent hair loss (also known as alopecia) in addition to certain other serious ailments and risks.
Manufacturer’s Failure to Warn about Permanent Hair Loss
Hair loss and hair thinning is a common side effect of chemotherapy, however, hair generally grows back within weeks after the drug is discontinued. In recently filed lawsuits, Sanofi-Aventis, the manufacturer of Taxotere, is accused of failing to adequately warn about the risk of permanent hair loss. Until the label was updated in December 2015, the drug-maker reassured women that hair “generally grows back.” Specifically, the prior label stated:
“Loss of hair occurs in most patients taking Taxotere (including the hair on your head, underarm hair, pubic hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes). Hair loss will begin after the first few treatments and varies from patient to patient. Once you have completed all your treatments, hair generally grows back.”
In December of 2015, the FDA required Sanofi-Aventis to change its label to warn about the potential for permanent hair loss. Warning labels in Europe and Canada were updated in 2012 and 2005, respectively, to include the known risk of permanent hair loss. It is not clear why the drug maker waited over a decade to provide warnings in the United States.
Could this have been prevented?
Current Taxotere lawsuits state that Sanofi-Aventis failed to warn patients and physicians about the increased risks of permanent hair loss. The lawsuits state that if the manufacturer had properly warned of the risks, patients would have been prescribed a different chemotherapy drug called Taxol, which is allegedly more effective than Taxotere, and does not result in permanent hair loss.
Do I qualify for a Taxotere Lawsuit?
Hair loss is a common side effects of chemotherapy, but permanent baldness is not. Sanofi-Aventis is facing a growing number of lawsuits accusing the drug maker of inadequately warning about the risk of permanent baldness.
If you were diagnosed with permanent hair loss from Taxotere, you could be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more. Main Street law Firm is currently investigating claims related to permanent hair loss suffered by users of Taxotere.
