Taxotere Hair Loss That is Permanent Can Have Substantial Impact on Quality of Life

Harvey Kirk

By Harvey Kirk
Posted January 13, 2017

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The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are no longer reviewing cases for women nationwide who have been left with permanent and disfiguring hair loss from side effects of Taxotere, a controversial breast cancer drug sold by Sanofi Aventis, which has been linked to a risk of permanent alopecia that is not seen with other, equally effective chemotherapy options.

Although most women would accept the consequences of Taxotere hair loss if there were no other breast cancer treatments, that is not the case, and long-lasting alopecia can have a substantial impact on an individual’s mental well being and overall quality of life.

Please note that the lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are no longer taking on new cases involving Taxotere. The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Fighting breast cancer is already an emotionally taxing, as well as physically taxing on the body, process. While temporary hair loss is a normal and expected side effect of chemotherapy treatment, hair is expected to grow back. In fact, Sanofi Aventis allowed women and doctors to believe that is the case with Taxotere as well. However, many women have been left with permanent and long-term hair problems, including:

  • Baldness or Bald Spots
  • Hair Loss
  • Thinning Hair
  • Other Hair Growth Problems

These side effects result in permanent disfigurement, severe mental anguish, and often impact employment or other aspects of day-to-day living.

For these women, it is important that they recognize their condition is not unique or rare, as there is substantial evidence to establish that Sanofi Aventis knew or should have known that Taxotere would cause permanent hair loss.

In fact, studies and case reports suggest that more than one out of every 10 women treated with Taxotere experience hair loss that continues for more than 10 years following last use of the drug. If these hair loss risks had been disclosed, many women and doctors would have elected to use other breast cancer treatments, such as low-potency taxane drugs, which research suggest are just as effective.

In February 2009, the FDA sent a warning letter to Sanofi-Aventis, citing unsubstantiated claims the drug maker was making about the superiority of Taxotere over Taxol, a low-potency taxane that was already on the market before Taxotere was ever introduced. Taxol has proven to be just as effective as Taxotere, yet has not been linked to the same hair loss problems.

While Taxotere alopecia warnings are provided to consumers and doctors in some other countries, thousands of women in the U.S. have received this chemotherapy drug without understanding that side effects may leave them with permanent loss of hair for the rest of their life.

Taxotere Hair Loss Lawyers

The Taxotere lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. previously provided free consultations and case evaluations for women and families nationwide, who are continuing to experience the hair loss side effects of Taxotere. Settlements and financial compensation may be available as a result of the drug maker’s apparent decision to place their desire for profits before consumer safety and well being.

All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are never any out-of-pocket expenses and no fees unless a recovery is obtained. Request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

1 Comment • Add Your Comments

  • Judith says:

    Hello and thank you for your Good Works. I am wondering if anyone else has come forth re: Madison Reed hair products. I used their hair dye, i experienced thinning of my hair and finally upon the last application in Sept. when I turned 60 and my scalp was severely burnt and that injury shut my immune system down. I took “Torts and Personal Injury Litigation” at TC Williams School of Law, many years ago. I did not finish due to having 3 children in a row…but I do know the potential here.

    Posted on March 28, 2017 at 9:16 pm

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