Woman with Alopecia

While alopecia or baldness in women is caused by a variety of factors including stress, it has been alleged to be caused by toxic chemicals such as the chemotherapy drug Taxotere. As of September 15, 2017, there were 1,624 Taxotere lawsuits, filed against Taxotere manufacturer Sanofi SA, for not warning them that a side effect of the drug is permanent baldness or alopecia. Many of the women who took Taxotere to treat their breast cancer ended up from suffering permanent hair loss and quite a few are sharing their stories in an online community called A Head of Our Time.

What Is The Impact of Alopecia?

The impact alopecia on these women is huge since we all know how important self-image is to women and men. Alopecia covers a number of conditions that may result in partial or complete hair loss and can affect various part of the body. Alopecia Areata, also known as spot baldness, affects a considerable number of people with varying severity, but has been known to spontaneously reverse. However, with Alopecia Totalis, the hair loss is much more severe and affects the entire body including eyebrows and eyelashes. Studies have shown that hair loss can have devastating psychological consequences for sufferers, regardless of how it is caused.

How Is Taxotere Connected To Baldness?

Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat breast, lung, gastric, head, neck and prostate cancer. The drug is administered by injection into a vein. Its goal is to try and prevent cancer cells from growing and dividing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Taxotere in October 2006.

woman going through cancer

There is the risk that 3 percent of the patients who are administered the drug could experience long-term hair loss. According to a study done by the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers in Colorado, this figure could rise to as high as 6.3 percent when given in combination with other drugs such as Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide.

The same study also concludes that such an “emotionally devastating long-term toxicity” from this drug should be taken into consideration when deciding on chemotherapy programs in women. However, in spite of this recommendation, patients are not being told about the potentially disfiguring side effect Taxotere has the potential to cause.

Contact Our Firm Today!

Lawyer talking to woman with alopecia from TaxotereUnder the law, drug manufacturers have a duty and a legal obligation to warn patients about potential side effects associated with their medications. Many female patients were not told about the potentially disfiguring side effects of Taxotere. They were not informed that the drug could cause lifelong baldness. If you are considering taking this chemotherapy treatment, please discuss all potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

If you or someone you love has suffered permanent hair loss or other side effects as a result of taking Taxotere, you may be eligible to receive compensation for cosmetic treatments including wigs, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Our law firm is working with some of the more experienced Taxotere lawyers in the country who are handling these cases. Call us as 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online, for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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