Permanent Hair Loss Caused By Taxotere®

Many patients taking Taxotere® as part of their chemotherapy regimen have experienced permanent alopecia, or hair loss, leading many to file claims in the Taxotere® lawsuit. Although hair loss during chemotherapy is a common side effect, the hair typically begins to grow back once treatment is completed.

A woman suffering from alopecia — With most chemotherapy drugs, hair grows back after treatment. With Taxotere®, the alopecia seen can be permanent.

Taxotere® has been indicated for use in chemotherapy to treat a variety of cancers. Unfortunately, the drug has been connected with countless cases of serious side effects and an increased risk of complications. If you or a loved one has suffered permanent hair loss after taking Taxotere®, contact our experienced legal team to schedule a consultation.

Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Within the first few weeks of starting treatment, patients may begin losing hair. The rate of hair loss typically increases over the first couple months of treatment, and most patients are left without any hair for the remainder of their treatment. Hair loss can also vary depending on the specific drug and dosage that is prescribed.

Patients who were prescribed Taxotere® are at a far greater risk of suffering from permanent alopecia.

After chemotherapy treatment has been completed, a patient’s hair will typically begin to grow back within the first three months. However, it may require a full year to regrow completely, and the new hair may be of a different texture and color than it was previously.

Permanent Alopecia

If there is no new growth within six months to a year after hair loss, the condition may be permanent. Though most chemotherapy patients do experience alopecia during treatment, it is almost always temporary. Patients who were prescribed Taxotere®, however, are at a far greater risk of suffering from permanent alopecia.

Symptoms

Often hair loss will first manifest as a thinning of the hair on top of the head. Others may experience circular or patchy bald spots, especially if the hair is lost in clumps. With chemotherapy, you will likely experience full body hair loss, including eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, underarms, legs, and other areas.

Diagnosis

To diagnose alopecia, your doctor will perform a thorough examination and review your medical history. You may also undergo a series of tests, including blood work, a pull test, scalp biopsy, or light microscopy.

Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with alopecia, your doctor may recommend medications that are designed to stimulate new hair growth. However, treatment is often ineffective in cases of permanent hair loss caused by Taxotere® use.

Taxotere® Litigation

Lawsuits against Taxotere® and the manufacturer, Sanofi S.A., are still in the initial stages. Women are filing claims against Sanofi for a variety of reasons, including:

Lack of proper testing of the drug
Failing to ensure the drug was safe for use
Marketing and selling the drug while failing to disclose risks
Failing to provide patients and their health care providers with adequate warnings about dangers and risks
Misleading marketing and advertising
Creating, marketing, and selling a dangerous drug
Concealing information about the dangers of the drug
Deemphasizing the dangers and risks associated with the drug

Lawsuits claim that Sanofi led patients to believe that their hair would grow back after completing chemotherapy treatment. However, a study that was sponsored by Sanofi showed that by 2005, almost 10 percent of women who were prescribed Taxotere® had suffered permanent hair loss. Additionally, many women also suffer from depression, anxiety, lowered self-esteem, and other emotional distress related to their hair loss.

If you have been injured by a defective drug, Speak with an Attorney

The lawsuits against Taxotere® and Sanofi will likely be filed as multidistrict litigation (MDL), which allows for an expedited trial process. Unlike a class action lawsuit, which divides a single settlement equally among numerous plaintiffs, MDL cases remain separate, allowing for individual verdicts and settlements.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered permanent hair loss or another complication as a result of Taxotere® chemotherapy treatment, contact a member of our legal team today. An experienced pharmaceutical attorney can meet with you to carefully review your case and discuss your legal options. It is important to contact an attorney immediately to ensure that your claim is filed within your state’s statute of limitations.