Tasigna is a chemotherapy drug prescribed to people with a certain type of blood cancer called Philadelphia Chromosome Positive (Ph+) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).
Ph+CML is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, during which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells. These extra cells are often damaged and can overwhelm healthy cells, causing symptoms as mild as fatigue, and as serious as organ failure. This year, almost 9,000 people will be diagnosed with Ph+ CML.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CML, you may have heard of or been prescribed an oral chemotherapy drug called Tasigna (nilotinib).
What is Tasigna, and Who Uses It?
Tasigna is a chemotherapy medication made by Novartis. It’s supposed to block the signals that create leukemic cells, giving healthy cells time to grow. Patients take the capsule twice a day on an empty stomach.
Treatment plans for Ph+ CML depend on several factors, like the phase of the disease, the preferences and overall health of a patient, and other medications the patient is taking. Doctors often prescribe Tasigna to adult patients who did not respond well to other chemotherapy drugs, like Gleevec (imatinib).
Novartis Failed to Warn the Public of Risk of Atherosclerosis
Tasigna, like other cancer treatment drugs, comes with side effects. Common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Itching
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea
- Night Sweats
- Vomiting
In December 2017, Tasigna was issued a Black Box Warning – the FDA’s strictest label. The FDA determined that Tasigna contributes to rapid-onset atherosclerosis, or hardening and narrowing of the arteries, and peripheral artery disease.
Novartis informed Canadian doctors of these risks, so the doctors were able to share them with their patients. American doctors did not get the same information, and their patients are suffering because of it.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-934-6555
Contact a Tasigna Lawyer Today
At Pintas & Mullins, we understand that coping with the emotions and financial burdens of your leukemia treatments is hard enough – you shouldn’t have to deal with fighting a pharmaceutical giant for letting you believe your medication is safe. Let the Tasigna Lawyers at Pintas & Mullins fight for you. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with atherosclerosis after using Tasigna, contact us for a free consultation today.
Image Source: Novartis
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