Tasigna chemotherapy is popularly used throughout the United States for chronic myeloid leukemia, but recent reports indicate this drug could induce potentially fatal cardiovascular events. While Tasigna chemotherapy is still widely used in the patient population, the medical community is wary of potential cardiac complications like atherosclerosis and other circulation issues.

Tasigna (Ninotinb) was approved by the FDA in 2007 with a black box warning regarding other side effects. Tasigna chemotherapy earned manufacturer Novartis $1.7 billion in 2016. Tasigna chemotherapy works by blocking tyrosine kinase protein Bcr-Abl, which is a protein that can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

These proteins are made by chronic myeloid leukemia cells that have an unusual feature called the Philadelphia chromosome, making Taisgna chemotherapy the ideal choice for this particular cancer. It is important to note that 95% of patients with myeloid leukemia have the Philadelphia chromosome, so it is likely most of these patients will opt for Tasigna chemotherapy.

Overview of Tasigna Chemotherapy Risks

Numerous studies have indicated this cancer treatment drug may have serious side effects including the clogging and swelling of arteries. Also known as atherosclerosis, this condition occurs when the artery walls thicken and harden while plaque buildups up around them. If allowed to progress, this condition could evolve into peripheral arterial disease, (PAD), a condition in which the arteries become too small and narrow for the circulation system to properly operate. It is important to note that peripheral arterial disease is a permanent condition, forcing patients to be vigilant for any signs or symptoms for the rest of their lives.

In addition to PAD, atherosclerosis can also cause blood clot formation due to plaque that becomes weakened or inflamed. This may cause the plaque to break apart and form a blood clot. If left untreated, blood clots that remain in the peripheral arteries in the legs can become painful, create ulcers, and cause movement difficulty. If total circulation to the leg or foot is lost, the need for amputation may result. In the worst cases the blood clot forms in a cartoid artery, ultimately leading to a stroke. Even though these are very serious complications, it was not until recently that the FDA issued a warning update for the Tasigna warning label to include atherosclerosis.

The FDA issued this order in 2013, when nine Tasigna atherosclerosis studies were published, including a post market review from the FDA. This review analyzed different Tasigna injury reports from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The FDA stated the findings of these studies had strongly implied an “association between nilotinib (Tasigna) and PAOD (peripheral arterial occlusive disease)”. Class action lawyers are currently reviewing injury claims from patients who suffered atherosclerosis as the alleged result of undergoing Tasigna chemotherapy.

Patients complain that they were not warned the cancer treatment drug could cause blood flow restrictions in vital areas of their body or pose the risk of lower limb amputation and death. Manufacturer Norvartis allegedly knew their cancer treatment drug had increased the risk of cardiovascular problems, but failed to warn patients.