A variety of adverse CML treatment side effects have been linked to the popular chemotherapy drug, Tasigna.

Tasigna is used to treat CML, or chronic myeloid leukemia. However, there have been many reports of serious CML treatment side effects such as atherosclerosis. This, in turn, can lead to an even more serious complication: peripheral arterial disease. Side effects linked to Tasigna may include circulatory issues, stroke, heart attack and death.

Atherosclerosis is the hardening, narrowing, or clogging of the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body’s tissues.

The development of atherosclerosis can lead to a more serious condition known as peripheral arterial disease. This is a circulatory condition that limits blood flow to the limbs that results because of narrowed and hardened arteries.

Limb amputations and even more serious conditions can also result. With narrowed and swelled up arteries and inadequate blood flow, the body loses out on oxygen and nutrients it needs from the bloodstream.

Patients have reports some of the following CML treatment side effects:
• Infection
• Amputation
• Death
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Embolic occlusion
• Peripheral aterial disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Circulatory issues of arms, legs, heart, or brain
• Coronary artery disease

CML Treatment Side Effects

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tasigna (nilotinib) in 2007. The drug was prescribed for treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia, a cancer that originates in the body’s bone marrow. It is among one of the most popular cancer medications sold worldwide with increasing sales of over $1.7 billion in 2016.

However, some patients have accused the makers of Tasigna, Novartis, of failing to adequately warn of these adverse effects and complications. Although the drug was approved with a black box warning, patients accuse to company of failing to warn of the risks for atherosclerosis and other adverse complications for several years.

According to the Mayo Clinic, atherosclerosis occurs when arteries become stiff and thick, thus limiting blood flow to the rest of the body. Symptoms of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart may include symptoms of chest pain or pressure.

Atherosclerosis symptoms in the brain may include numbness or weakness in the arms and legs, temporary vision loss in one eye or face muscles that droop.

While symptoms of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the arms or legs may include symptoms of legs pain when walking, atherosclerosis symptoms in the arteries leading to your kidneys may include the development of high blood pressure or kidney failure.

There have been several studies supporting the existence of Tasigna atherosclerosis risks. Prominent journals in the United States, Canada and Europe have already linked Tasigna to atherosclerosis.

In 2011, a study was published finding that 25% of patients taking Tasigna developed vascular side effects, while 16% suffered from peripheral arterial disease. This was the first Tasigna study associating the drug to atherosclerosis side effects.

In 2013, nine studies linking Tasigna to atherosclerosis were published. One of these studies included a postmarket review by the FDA. The FDA reaffirmed research conducted by Europe, Canada, and the U.S. and wrote that its findings, “strongly suggest an association between nilotinib (Tasigna) and PAOD (peripheral arterial occlusive disease).”