Taxotere Hair Loss Lawyers

Why would anyone choose a drug that is no more effective than the older proven alternative and has terrible side effects? They wouldn’t – unless they weren’t warned of the problems and risks. This is the basis of claims being brought by patients against the manufacturer of Taxotere.

What is Taxotere?

Taxotere (docetaxel) is a chemotherapy drug in the taxane class that has been widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. When first introduced, the manufacturer marketed Taxotere as a safer, more potent and effective alternative to the older drug (Taxol) that had been in use for years. What the manufacturer did not reveal to doctors and patients was the fact that Taxotere did not offer any significant benefit when compared to the older drug, but posed greater side effects at a higher dosage and greater expense. The undisclosed side effects of Taxotere include permanent alopecia – hair loss. While cancer patients commonly experience hair loss while undergoing chemotherapy, their hair almost always grows back within 6 months after finishing the therapy. Not so for many who were treated with Taxotere.

While the marketing claims made by Sanofi-Aventis that Taxotere was both safer and more effective than other chemotherapy medications (Taxol) prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to years ago issue a warning letter requesting that it stop distributing marketing material that contains “unsubstantiated superiority claims and overstates the efficacy of Taxotere”, no mention of permanent hair loss was made. Only recently has the FDA taken steps to address the numerous reports of permanent hair loss suffered by patients taking Taxotere – resulting in a warning that will now be included on the drug packaging.

What Did the Drug Manufacturer Know and When?

Ten years ago studies, including those done by the manufacturer, showed that some patients undergoing breast cancer treatment using Taxotere were experiencing at least some degree of permanent hair loss. This, along with other evidence showing that the manufacturer was aware of the very real risk of permanent hair loss years prior to providing a warning to U.S. patients and physicians, has led to the filing of numerous lawsuits seeking to recover damages for the manufacturer’s failure to warn of known side effects and risks. Had proper and adequate warning been given to doctors and patients, they would have made different choices – avoiding Taxotere and the resulting permanent hair loss suffered by so many.

Lore Law Firm Reviewing Claims Against Taxotere

Our firm is currently reviewing cases on behalf of women who were given Taxotere and experienced permanent hair loss as a result. The review is confidential and free of charge. If we are able to pursue a claim on your behalf, there are no fees or costs due unless and until we obtain a recovery for you.

If you or someone you care about was treated with Taxotere and experienced any permanent hair loss side effects, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation and should contact our firm immediately for a free and confidential case review and consultation. Please use the form on the right side of this page or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 559-0400.