Lawyers Reviewing Heart Attack, Stroke, Amputation Cases
The Tasigna lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential claims for individuals who have experienced injuries due to hardening or narrowing of the arteries.
It appears the manufacturer of the cancer drug failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk that side effects of Tasigna may cause users to suffer a:
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Amputation
- Wrongful Death
Financial compensation may be available to those who have suffered atherosclerosis from Tasigna. Lawsuits are being pursued on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained. Request a free consultation and case review.
Tasigna Side Effects
Tasigna (nilotinib) was introduced by Novartis in 2007, for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) among newly diagnosed adults. The cancer drug is also approved for the treatment of chronic phase and accelerated phase Ph+ CML among adults who are resistant or intolerant to prior therapy.
The medication is part of a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which are used to block enzymes that help cancer cells grow. It was designed as a replacement for a previous Novartis drug, Gleevec, which lost patent protection in July 2015.
Amid failure to warn about the potentially life-threatening risk of Tasigna side effects, Novartis has generated more than $2.5 billion annually. However, if proper information had been disclosed about the potential risks, many users may have avoided suffering a heart attack, stroke, amputation and other injuries.
Evidence suggests that Novartis knew or should have known for years about the risk that Tasigna may cause atherosclerosis, a condition leading to the narrowing and hardening of arteries.
Tasigna atherosclerosis problems may result in the restriction of blood to the brain, heart and limbs, increasing the risks of strokes, heart attacks and the need for amputations. In some cases this may also result in sudden death.
Tasigna Problems
Clinical investigators began reporting problems with Tasigna patients experiencing atherosclerosis-related conditions as early as 2010. Rather than providing adequate warnings and information for users and doctors, it appears that the drug maker decided to place their desire for profits before user safety, by providing false and misleading information.
Amid publication of a number of studies in 2012 and early 2013, Health Canada opened an investigation into reports of the Tasigna heart attack and stroke problems. In April 2013, it was announced that Novartis was adding information to the Canadian drug label about the risk of arterial problems with Tasigna.
Although warnings were added in Canada, doctors and patients in the United States were not provided the same information about these potentially life-threatening Tasigna health risks.
As a result of the failure to adequately research the potential side effects of Tasigna, or warn about the risk of heart attacks, strokes, amputations or other injuries, financial compensation may be available for individuals and families throughout the United States.
Timeline of Tasigna Risks
June 2006: Study published in New England Journal of Medicine warns Tasigna may prolong QT inverval in some patients, and mentions problems with thrombocytopenia seen with increases in doses.
October 2007: Novartis introduces Tasigna with Black Box Warning about risk of irregular heartbeats and sudden death linked to QT prolongation.
2010: Post marketing reports describe patients developing severe and accelerated atherosclerosis-related conditions on Tasigna.
March 2011: Study published in the American Journal of Hematology suggested that treatment with Tasigna increased the risk for vascular problems and narrowing of the peripheral arteries.
April 2011: Case reports published in the American Journal of Hematology examined incidence of periphral artery disease and sudden death on Tasigna, concluding that the risks are another reason to stick with the use of the older medication Gleevec, which was approaching end of market exclusivity for Novartis.
March 2013: Study published in medical journal Leukemia found an association between Tasigna and severe peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD), identifying problems that resulted in angioplasty, stent placement, amputation and surgery.
March 2013: Case report outlines incident of a Tasigna stroke and cerebrovascular disease as a result of rapidly progressive peripheral artery disease.
April 2013: Letter to the Editor of medical journal Leukemia questions whether Tasigna atherosclerosis risk is justified, given alternative treatment options.
April 2013: Health Canada issues a Publication Communication Announcement about new warnings regarding Tasigna atherosclerosis problems reported during clinical trials and post-marketing use of the drug, which may lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Tasigna Class Action Lawyers
Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. is reviewing potential injury lawsuits, as well as the potential for Tasigna class action lawsuits, which will allege that Novartis:
- Failed to adequately research the potential Tasigna atherosclerosis side effects during development;
- Failed to properly investigate reports of Tasigna heart attack, stroke and amputation problems received after the drug was introduced;
- Withheld critical safety information in the United States;
- Failed to issue a Tasigna recall or adequately update the drug warning label;
- Fraudulent concealed information about the risks associated with Tasigna.
Our Tasigna lawyers can help determine whether you or a loved one may be entitled to financial compensation or a settlement. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are never any out-of-pocket costs to hire our law firm and we only receive an attorney fee or reimbursement of expenses if you win your case,
