If you or someone you care about is being or has been treated with the leukemia drug Tasigna® from drug manufacturer Novartis, you’ll want to be aware that the drug is the subject of lawsuits and claims across the country. The drug was popularly prescribed in the treatment of a certain type of leukemia and has recently been linked to artery disease and atherosclerosis.
Types of Leukemia
Leukemia is often referred to as cancer of the blood and is categorized in two broad types, acute and chronic. Acute leukemia is very invasive and spreads quickly. Chronic leukemia is a slower-growing form of the disease.
Acute forms of leukemia include Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Almost all childhood leukemia cases are either ALL or AML.
Chronic forms of leukemia include Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML).
The American Cancer Society states that leukemia is a cancer of early blood-forming cells. While it most frequently affects white blood cells, it has also been known to start in other types of blood cells. Treatments can vary according to the severity of the leukemia involved. For patients with what is known as Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), the drug Tasigna produced by Novartis was frequently prescribed.
The intent of the drug was to slow down the spread of the disease by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. Unfortunately, it has had some unintended tragic consequences.
Tasigna’s Effects on the Arteries
When Tasigna was first approved by the FDA in 2007, like many drugs it came with a long list of precautions. Now, it is being linked to a range of serious health issues, including atherosclerosis. The results of atherosclerosis can include:
- Angina
- Carotid artery disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Amputations
- Coronary heart disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Death.
Claims and lawsuits against Novartis are mounting, as the company may have known about these consequences for years prior to warning patients and doctors.
When the FDA approved Tasigna in 2007, atherosclerosis wasn’t mentioned as a potential side effect. Mention of its connection with the disease didn’t appear on labels until 2013 when it was included on Tasigna distributed in Canada. Then, in 2016, a lawsuit was filed in California against Novartis by a family of a man who had died three years earlier. The patient’s cause of death was related to complications of atherosclerosis, and he died after taking Tasigna. Among other details, the lawsuit alleged that Novartis may have known about the link to atherosclerosis as early as 2011. In spite of this knowledge, the drug maker did not notify doctors or patients of the serious nature of the potential problems associated with the drug.
How We Can Help
At the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant, we have built our reputation on helping individuals and families get justice when they are negatively impacted by the negligence of others. As Tasigna lawsuit attorneys, we can help you receive financial compensation for:
We are a Texas law firm that believes that responsible parties should be held accountable. If your family has been impacted by the leukemia drug Tasigna, put our knowledge to work for you. Call us toll-free at 800-444-5000 or fill out a FREE initial consultation form. Not only do we offer a free initial consultation, but our No Fee Guarantee® means you pay us nothing unless you get paid. Contact the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant today.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
