Researchers continue to link the popular cancer treatment drug, Tasigna to atherosclerosis. However, the manufacturer of the drug, Novartis still continues to deny the connection. In fact, they won’t update the label to warn American consumers even though they warned Canadian ones.
About Tasigna
Manufacturer Novartis received FDA approval for Tasigna in 2007. Tasigna is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor which blocks chemical enzymes in cancer cells in order to inhibit cell growth and division. Tasigna, also known generically as nilotinib, is an oral treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). When the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells, CML occurs. Even though CML is a long-term, treatable form of cancer, however when not treated properly, it can become a chronic disease. Approximately 8,950 new cases of CML will be reported in the U.S. along with over one thousand deaths in 2017. Tasigna is among the ten most prescribed cancer drugs in the world.
Tasigna & Atherosclerosis
In 2011, researchers from the University of Vienna first published a report in the American Journal of Hematology. They noted that several patients undergoing treatment with the popular cancer medication, Tasigna quickly developed peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD comes from the deadly vascular condition known as atherosclerosis. When the condition appears, tissue dies and leads to limb amputation, coronary artery disease, and death.
PAD can develop life-threatening and irreversible complications. In this condition, blood cannot circulate freely to the limbs. Detection needs to happen quickly. If not, tissue death happens and doctors can amputate limbs. Additionally, other severe cardiovascular problems can also develop. If not treated, the patient could die. In short, while intended to treat one life-threatening condition, Tasigna can result in another.
Then in 2013, in the Journal of Hematology, published their research further cementing the link between Tasigna and atherosclerosis. Yet, Novartis won’t confirm the link. In April 2013, Health Canada and Novartis jointly issue a warning for Tasigna, advising patients and doctors that those taking the drug may have an increased risk of developing arterial diseases like atherosclerosis. Novartis did not issue a warning in the United States.
Furthermore, in November 2015, Novartis agreed to pay $390 million and admit wrongdoing to settle charges that it paid illegal kickbacks to pharmacies for promoting its drug Tasigna among Medicare and Medicaid patients. They will do anything they can to protect their bottom line. Tasigna is one of the top drugs in the world.
Fighting for Justice
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is known for their decades of experience successfully battling large pharmaceutical giants. They have recovered hundreds of millions of victims and their families. Because of this, they have received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. They strive to take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.
Therefore, if you or someone you love developed atherosclerosis after using Tasigna, contact us today for a free, no obligation case review.