Taxotere manufacturer, Sanofi-Aventis knew that their chemotherapy drug could cause permanent hair loss back in the 1990s. The company disclosed to other countries this side effect, but they hid it from patients in the United States. Instead of protecting consumers, they protected their bottom line, especially knowing there are safer alternatives on the market.
About Taxotere
Manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis, Taxotere (docetaxel) is a chemotherapy drug. The FDA approved the drug in 1996 to treat a variety of cancers; however, patients use Taxotere mainly for the treatment of breast cancer. Doctors will diagnose one in eight women with breast cancer. This equates to almost 300,000 U.S. women every year. Almost 75% of these women will use Taxotere to battle their cancer.
Safer Alternatives
Heavily promoted despite devastating side effects, Taxotere dominates the chemotherapy market. Yet, there are other drugs on the market, which work just as well and do not cause permanent hair loss.
One such drug is Taxol. It uses the same mechanisms as Taxotere and is equally effective. Researchers found in certain cases it may actually be more effective than Taxotere. If Sanofi-Aventis provided a proper label that warned patients and doctors of permanent hair loss, patients would have a choice to choose another drug like Taxol. Instead, they falsely misled consumers. The FDA even had to step in by sending a warning label that the manufacturer overstated Taxotere’s effectiveness.
Your Rights
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. You also may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has over 20 years of experience fighting manufacturers who harm consumers. We want to help send a message that this is not acceptable. We are advocates for consumers after dangerous products harmed them, and likewise, we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
If you went bald, suffered permanent hair loss or alopecia from Taxotere, contact us immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement, and we can help. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently investigating potential settlements in all 50 states.