Patients who have developed Tasigna cardiovascular side effects following treatment for leukemia may have a claim against the drug’s manufacturer.

Tasigna (nilotinib) is a popular chemotherapy drug used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia developed by Novartis. Tasigna is one of the most popular cancer drugs in the world, with over $1.7 billion in sales in 2017. It was approved by the FDA in 2007 with a black box warning regarding side effects but not including the risk of atherosclerosis.

Results of more than a dozen studies have shown Tasigna cadiovascular side effects may include atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that causes artery walls to thicken and harden due to the buildup of plaque. The hardening of arterial walls and buildup of plaque results in a narrowing of arteries which puts blood flow at risk.

Atherosclerosis and the subsequent narrowing of arteries can cause peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Other risks of atherosclerosis include circulatory issues, embolic occlusion, heart attack, stroke, infection, amputation, and death.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowing or blockages of peripheral arteries in the legs. PAD symptoms include cramping, pain with activity, and tiredness in the leg or hip muscles. Due to the nature of PAD symptoms, many people mistake PAD for something else and PAD is often undiagnosed by healthcare professionals.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is like peripheral artery disease that specifically affects the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. Symptoms of CAD include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue.

With either peripheral artery disease or coronary artery disease, plaque buildup may become brittle and break, causing a blood clot. Blood clots can further narrow the affected arteries or block them completely. Blockages in the peripheral arteries can cause loss of circulation resulting in amputation. Blockages in the coronary arteries can cause heart attack or stroke.

Studies Report Tasigna Cardiovascular Side Effects

A 2011 study revealed atherosclerosis and similar possible Tasigna cardiovascular side effects. This study found that 25 percent of patients experienced vascular problems and 16 percent suffered from peripheral artery disease after taking Tasigna.

In 2013, nine Tasigna atherosclerosis studies were published including a post-market review from the FDA. The FDA said that its findings “strongly suggest an association between nilotinib (Tasigna) and PAOD (peripheral arterial occlusive disease)”. Only after the FDA announced its findings did a warning for Tasigna atherosclerosis become added to the drug’s label.

Novartis, Tasigna’s manufacturer, has faced Tasigna lawsuits alleging that the company was aware of the risk for Tasigna cardiovascular side effects for several years before adding a warning to the drug’s label. The Tasigna atherosclerosis lawsuits argue that patients and doctors were not warned of Tasigna’s risk of atherosclerosis.

The U.S. has strict product liability laws which require companies to properly warn the public about all risks related to their products. Patients who file a Tasigna atherosclerosis lawsuit allege that the risks were unfairly concealed. Filing a Tasigna lawsuit can help patients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, pain, suffering, wrongful death, and more.