What is Taxotere, and what is it prescribed for?
Taxotere (docetaxel) is a cancer drug approved by the FDA in 1996 for the treatment of advanced or metastasized breast cancer after failure of previous chemotherapy. It is also used to treat other forms of advanced cancer (lung, prostate, stomach, head/neck). Taxotere is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis, a French pharmaceutical company.
How does Taxotere work?
Taxotere is administered intravenously. It is a member of the group of drugs called taxanes. Taxotere works by slowing the growth and division of cells.
Side effects of Taxotere
Like other cancer drugs, Taxotere causes temporary hair loss. However, many Taxotere patients have reported suffering permanent hair loss, a condition known as alopecia universalis. Patients report permanent hair loss on their entire bodies, including eyebrows, eyelashes, head, underarms, and genital region.
The FDA approved Safety Labeling Changes in December of 2015 to note patients had reported permanent hair loss. Sanofi added the possibility of permanent hair loss to the Taxotere U.S. label that month. However, recent lawsuits allege that Sanofi issued warnings years earlier to patients in Europe (at least by 2009) and Canada (2012).
What can you do?
If you or a loved one has suffered permanent hair loss after receiving Taxotere, you may be able to file a Taxotere lawsuit for permanent hair loss. Please call Marilyn McGoldrick, who heads Thornton Law Firm’s drug and medical device practice, for a free, no-obligation case evaluation at 1-888-341-1405. Or tell us your story here for a prompt, thorough evaluation of your legal rights.
