Taxotere

When you first heard your doctor say that word, “cancer”, time stood still. Me? Cancer? It couldn’t be. But as reality set in, all you could think of was, “what happens next?”

More Effective Yet Many Say More Toxic

Treatment options were presented. One option, Taxotere, was recommended. Unbeknownst to you, the drug was well-marketed by its manufacturer, Sanofi,  to be a top selection claiming it was “more effective” when in fact the drug was simply more toxic to the body commonly resulting in irreversible hair loss.

You did your best to choose a cancer treatment, beat cancer and hopefully return to a normal life. You were not told that treatment with Taxotere carried the risk of permanent hair loss for the rest of your life.

How Many Have Been Affected by Alopecia Due to Taxotere?

Unfortunately, this scenario happened to thousands of cancer sufferers across the nation who are coming forward to hold the drug maker responsible. Cancer patients who were prescribed this drug were not informed of a particularly devastating side-effect: permanent alopecia. This loss of personal identity has empowered thousands of women to take legal action, and evidence presented suggests they have a viable legal case.

Taxotere was originally placed with warnings that described a possibility of temporary hair loss that would “generally grow back”. It wasn’t until many years later and after several warnings issued by the FDA to the manufacturers that the drug’s literature updated the verbiage to include permanent hair loss.

Why Were Taxotere Warnings Not Immediately Updated?

While speculative, it is believed warnings were not timely updated because the manufacturer was concerned that those who identified their cancer early would possibly not use Taxotere, resulting in lost revenue. Taxotere was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. Sales of the medication grew from $424 million in 2000 to $1.4 billion in 2004.

While most are familiar with the temporary hair loss associated with aggressive cancer treatment, cancer survivors expect to eventually re-grow hair.

Treatment was once a sign of hope. But the effect of the drug, instead, resulted in a constant reminder of the illness once fought so hard to overcome. And for women, the devastation of permanent baldness is unparalleled as it often results in the loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, and other hair which helps in daily life, and is an identifiable feminine trait.

“Mr. Hodes handled our case with the greatest integrity and compassion; a consummate professional. He guided us through the unfamiliar territory of a lawsuit, making sure we understood the full impact of each step. We ultimately settled in a way that was satisfactory to us; we owe that outcome to Mr. Hodes and his firm. They earned our unfaltering respect and confidence.” -Barbara

Have You or Someone You Know been Affected by Taxotere?

The thousands of victims coming forward have suffered far more than cosmetic damage. The resulting permanent hair loss caused by this drug has likely resulted in permanent harm. Those effected by Taxotere may be able to seek damages for the following common associated complaints:

• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of wages and earning potential
• Cost of therapeutic and medical treatment
• Disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life

Who is Being Held Responsible?

Not your doctor, as they were also unaware of the drug’s side effects. As of August 2017, the drug’s maker, Sanofi, is facing nearly 1500 Taxotere lawsuits due to the damaging effects of the drug. Legal allegations for their role in this drug-induced hair-loss, include, but are not limited to:

• That Sanofi was aware or should have been aware of the risks associated with the drug
• Failure to disclose the side-effect of alopecia with proper warning to doctors and patients
• Negligence in the marketing, distribution, manufacturing, and design of the drug
• Failing to perform expected duty surrounding the safety of the drug

There is Hope: Contact us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered permanent hair loss after undergoing Taxotere treatment, know you are not alone, and we can help answer your questions. The attorneys of Hodes Milman can provide 100% confidential, no cost consultations to have your questions reliably answered and help you understand what your next steps and options may be.

Currently, we represent more than a dozen women from across the country who have suffered from Taxotere. Join these women in sending a message to drug manufacturers that they have a duty to warn the public of all side effects.

Call our law office today at (949) 640-8222 for a risk-free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step at reclaiming your life. Refuse to be a victim – it’s your turn to fight back and together we can help.