Researchers have linked the popular cancer treatment drug, Tasigna (generic name, nilotinib), manufactured by Novartis to irreversible atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can be deadly. This condition causes plaque build-up in a patient’s artery walls, causing them to harden and become thick and narrow. Thus, it lessens the ability for blood to flow. A third of all American deaths each year are tied to heart disease. Yet, Novartis has not warned American consumers about the risk linked to its own drug.
About Tasigna
Manufacturer Novartis received FDA approval for Tasigna in 2007 to treat chronic myeloid leukemia. Tasigna is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor which blocks chemical enzymes in cancer cells in order to inhibit cell growth and division. Tasigna is an oral treatment for patients 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. Doctors will report approximately 9,000 new cases of CML 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 & Coronary Artery Disease
Atherosclerosis is a specific type of coronary artery disease. This condition refers to when plaque, fats, cholesterol, and other substances form on artery walls. If that plaque build-up bursts, it can then trigger a blood clot, stroke, or even a heart attack. If the plaque builds up too much, it can also lead to limiting blood flow to vital organs, including the heart. Currently, researchers have linked Tasigna to trigger coronary artery disease. Severe, and fatal, Tasinga-related complications include atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), limb amputation, organ failure, and death.
Tasigna & Coronary Artery Disease Studies
Tasigna-related complications and injuries have been documented in
medical journals since 2011. In 2013, the publication Leukima reported that 33% of Tasigna patients experienced peripheral artery occlusive disease, myocardial infarction, spinal infarction or subdural hematoma. They advised doctors to fully disclose to patients about potential heart disease risks while taking Tasigna. This includes the accelerated risk of developing drug-induced atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which also includes arteriosclerosis (coronary artery disease).
In 2015, The Journal of Oncology published a study discussing how Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) can cause “cardiovascular toxicities”. Researchers found that 10% of patients given two 300mg Tasigna pills daily experienced cardiovascular events. After starting Tasigna, patients reported issues with ischemic heart disease, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and 6% developed peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Researchers then concluded that “nilotinib-associated toxicity occurs in all arterial beds.” They recommend that patients taking Tasigna also see a cardiologist.
Still, Novartis has not amended the label of Tasigna to warn American patients of the true risks of arterial blockage and heart issues.
We Want to Help Victims
It is your right to be informed about the long-term risks associated with the medications you take, and it is the responsibility of drug companies to provide this information. If you or a loved one has developed arteriosclerosis after taking Tasigna, you should demand accountability. Why didn’t Novartis tell you about these serious side effects?
We want to help send a message that this is not acceptable.
If a dangerous product harmed you, we will be your advocate. Additionally, we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. They have decades of experience going against large pharmaceutical companies like Novartis and receiving multimillion-dollar settlements. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering.