Permanent Alopecia and Other Taxotere® Side Effects

Taxotere® is often used as part of a combined chemotherapy regimen. This type of therapy has been associated with several severe but temporary side effects. Unfortunately, many patients taking Taxotere® have experienced permanent hair loss following treatment, prompting many claims against the manufacturer of the drug, Sanofi S.A. If you or a loved one suffered permanent alopecia, please contact an experienced Taxotere® attorney near you to schedule a free case evaluation.

Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy medications are intended to target and destroy cancerous tissue. Unfortunately, this treatment can also affect healthy cells, which can lead to a wide range of side effects, including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Memory problems
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores

Side effects can range from mild to severe in intensity, and can last for the duration of treatment. In most cases, these side effects begin to dissipate after completing chemotherapy treatment.

Side Effects and Risks Associated with Taxotere®

Taxotere® shares many of the same side effects as other chemotherapy medications, but clinical studies have shown that the drug may cause more severe and permanent complications. The severity of side effects experienced is often dependent on the dosage of Taxotere® administered.

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

The Journal of Clinical Oncology published a study in July 2012, that found that newer cancer drugs, including Taxotere®, are associated with an increased risk of side effects and complications when compared to the traditional medications, including:

• Constipation and diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Infection
• Fingernail and toenail changes
• Numbness in the fingers and toes
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fluid retention and weight gain
• Swelling of the ankles
• Permanent hair loss or alopecia

Permanent Hair Loss

Although temporary hair loss is an expected side effect of all chemotherapy regimens, Taxotere® patients have suffered a much higher incidence of permanent alopecia. Unfortunately, traditional treatments that are intended to restore lost hair have proven to be ineffective for these patients.

In December 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated their labeling requirements for Taxotere® to include a warning that “cases of permanent alopecia have been reported."

Taxotere® Litigation

Many patients have already come forward to file claims in the Taxotere® lawsuit. These cases will most likely be consolidated under multidistrict litigation (MDL) to expedite the discovery process. This type of litigation is similar to a class action lawsuit, in that multiple similar cases are heard before one judge to reduce any conflicting rulings on evidence. MDL differs from class actions in that each plaintiff can retain their own legal counsel and jury awards or settlements are based on the severity of the injuries suffered.

Contact Our Attorneys for More Information

If you or a loved one was prescribed Taxotere® as part of your chemotherapy treatment, contact an expert member of our legal team. Many women are now filing lawsuits against the manufacturer Sanofi in regards to their suffering of permanent hair loss. Our attorneys can review your legal options with you and ensure your claim is filed within your state’s statute of limitations.