Taxotere Hair Loss Lawsuit

Active Mass Tort Lawsuits

Taxotere (docetaxel), a drug primarily used to treat breast cancer, has been linked to the dire side effect of alopecia (permanent hair loss). Our lawyers are evaluating a possible Taxotere lawsuit for patients affected by alopecia after receiving treatment for the Taxotere chemotherapy drug.

Taxotere Lawsuit

Sanofi Aventis, the manufacturer of Taxotere, is being investigated for allegedly having knowledge of the side effect of alopecia (permanent hair loss) and failing to inform the public of this dire side effect.

The Taxotere lawsuit states that Sanofi Aventis’ failure to warn patients of the risks associated with Taxotere appropriately robbed them of the option to choose or be treated with other chemotherapy drugs, such as Taxol, reportedly just as effective without the risk of alopecia.

What Is Taxotere Chemo?

Although primarily used to treat breast cancer, Taxotere can also be prescribed for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach (gastric) cancer and head/neck cancer, It was initially approved by the FDA (US food and drug administration) in early 1996.

Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug manufactured by Sanofi SA. It hinders the growth and spread of cancer cells through intravenous administration.

Taxotere Hair Loss Lawsuit

Taxotere Hair Loss

Before the 2015 FDA label update, the manufacturer of Taxotere allegedly assured consumers that hair loss was temporary and would return after Taxotere chemo treatment was completed.

However, evidence surfaced linking permanent hair loss to Taxotere. Dr. Scot Sedlacek conducted a study in 2006 whereby she found that 6.3 percent of breast cancer patients grew back less than 50 percent of their hair after they were given Taxotere in combination with other drugs.

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published a study in 2010 where they cautioned about “an increasing number of reports of permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia.” It allegedly accused Taxotere of being the cause of some of the cases.

The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) provided findings of permanent hair loss as a side effect in 10 to 15 percent of patients who took Taxotere in a 2013 study.

According to breastcancer.org, there are approximately 2.8 million women with breast cancer in the United States. Regrettably, of that 2.8 million, approximately 75 percent were treated with Taxotere.

Taxotere side effects

Along with the increasing risk of Taxotere permanent hair loss, the chemo drug Taxotere may also cause the following side effects:

  • Fluid retention with weight gain, and swelling of the ankles or abdominal area.
  • Numbness in the fingers and toes with repeated doses of Taxotere (medically known as Peripheral neuropathy)
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore mouth
  • Hair loss
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Infection

Changes of color to fingernails or toes. Nails may fall off in extreme cases but will allegedly grow back once treatment of Taxotere is completed.

Although less common, the below side effects reportedly occur in 10- 29 percent of patients receiving Taxotere chemo.

  • Vomiting
  • Muscle/bone/joint pain (medically known as myalgias and arthralgias)
  • Low platelet count (which can increase the risk of bleeding)
  • Increases in blood tests measuring liver function.  (Function should return to normal upon discontinuation of treatment)

Taxotere Class Action Lawsuit

A Taxotere class action lawsuit has yet to be filed as the investigation of this drug is still at an early phase.

That being said, our lawyers are accepting and investigating individual cases. Although Taxotere is famous for being known as the “wonder drug,” Sanofi Aventis is under investigation for failure to warn the public of the risk of alopecia from Taxotere.

Taxotere Permanent Hair Loss Lawsuit

Even if hair loss may be a small price to stay alive, it is unjust for consumers to pay such a price when alopecia from Taxotere is avoidable. In this case, patients’ rights to make a fully informed decision about their treatment or drug of choice have been neglected. Failure of Sanofi Aventis to inform its consumers is unlawful and, therefore, should be brought to justice.

Battling cancer is a ferocious fight, it is unfair for Taxotere permanent hair loss to be added to that mix. Hair loss from chemotherapy is an everyday battle that most breast cancer survivors experience. A Mastectomy, single or double, is another war that many women with breast cancer endure. Adding permanent hair loss from Taxotere chemotherapy is a torment one should not be subjected to.

If you or a loved one have suffered from alopecia after Taxotere chemo treatment, contact our investigating lawyers now for a free case evaluation.

Personal injury and civil justice attorney Brooks Cutter is a leading advocate for consumer justice and protecting the rights of the severely injured.

Located at 401 Watt Avenue #100 Sacramento, CA 95864