Breast cancer survivors across the country are filing lawsuits against Sanofi-Aventis, the maker of the chemotherapy drug Taxotere, claiming they were never told about the risk of permanent hair loss (alopecia) which could result from taking the drug. Plaintiffs claim they would have strongly considered taking a different chemotherapy drug to treat their cancer had they been properly informed about the risk of permanent hair loss and other side effects.
Taxotere’s issues are just another example of the lengths powerful drug companies often go to in order to enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary people. While the hair loss associated with taking Taxotere is permanent, victims do have legal recourse to hold the drugmaker responsible for its negligence.
By filing a lawsuit against Taxotere’s maker, plaintiffs can recover financial awards to compensate them for the harm they suffered from the side effects of the drug. Plaintiffs have brought suit arguing the hair loss associated with the drug should be considered a permanent disfigurement which also resulted in infliction of emotional distress.
Furthermore, a host of other painful side effects are also associated with Taxotere which Sanofi-Aventis may not have properly tested for. Other side effects of Taxotere may include:
While most chemotherapy patients lose their hard during treatment, those effects are temporary and see hair regrowth after about three to six-months. However, patients taking Taxotere did not experience a similar rebound in hair-growth and must now live with those side effects for the rest of their lives.
Unfortunately for these victims, other chemotherapy drugs without the harmful side effects were available on the market, were much safer, and boasted almost identical results to Taxotere. Lawsuits around the country claim Sanofi-Aventis knew all along about these harmful side effects but chose to prey on vulnerable cancer patients in order to increase their company’s bottom line.
As is often the case with the pharmaceutical industry, new treatments get pushed through the system before proper clinical trials are conducted. It is also not uncommon, for big drug companies to hide unflattering information in order to make their new pharmaceuticals more appealing to consumers.
If you or a loved one experienced permanent hair loss after taking Taxotere, contact our office to speak to a Taxotere hair loss attorney about your case. By filing a lawsuit, plaintiffs can hold wrongdoers accountable and recover compensation for the harm they suffered.
Fill out an online contact form or call our office at 202-682-5800 during business hours or at 1-800-THE FIRM (843-3476) 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
