Advocates for breast cancer awareness have recently made efforts to spread awareness of the side effects of a popular chemotherapy drug often used for breast cancer treatment.

Popular chemotherapy drug Taxotere has been allegedly causing permanent hair loss in patients, leaving numerous breast cancer patients devastated.

The concern of hair loss after chemotherapy is prevalent in many women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are typically devastated upon the health news, so having to worry about additional permanent hair loss can be too much to handle.

Taxotere is a popular choice for breast cancer treatment, but has reportedly caused women to permanently lose their hair. Doctors and patients alike are calling out Sanofi-Aventis for failing to adequately warn patients against Taxotere side effects, especially in regarding to permanent hair loss.

Overview of Chemotherapy Hair Loss

In October 2010, Breast Cancer Awareness Month had spurred a group of breast cancer patients who have experienced long term hair loss after chemotherapy to take action.

One of the patients Jayne H., who is a member of “A Head of Our Time” based in Kansas City described her experience after suffering Taxotere side effects. Jayne was reassured that her hair would eventually grow back, despite medical evidence indicating otherwise.

The first study indicating Taxotere hair loss was conducted in 2006, by Dr. Scot Sedlacek oncologist at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. The study had found that up to 6.3 percent of Taxotere chemotherapy patients, had suffered persistent alopecia or permanent hair loss.

The study indicates that the chances for permanent hair loss were higher when Taxotere was used in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs.

Sanofi-Aventis states that approximately 3 percent of patients may experience permanent hair loss, but studies indicate the risk could be higher and doctors seem to be unaware of this risk.

In addition, the company’s website states that the patient’s hair “generally” returns in time after chemotherapy. The patient advocates complain that women are not allowed to make informed decision regarding their medication choices.

At this point it is not known why Taxotere side effects may cause permanent hair loss, but it believes it is linked to how the drug prevents cancer cells from growing.

Even though permanent hair loss is a serious side effects, it was never mentioned in association with Taxotere side effects until December 2015.

At this time, the FDA issued a label change for it to include the possibility of permanent hair loss. The breast cancer advocates and other patients allege that Sanofi-Aventis knew of the risk for years, but did nothing to warn patients and doctors.

Taxotere patients who may have already suffered permanent hair loss may be able to file legal action, and should contact a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility.