The potential long term side effects of Tasigna (nilotinib) have spurred major concern in the medical community, with many patients allegedly developing atherosclerosis.

Over a dozen studies have observed the alleged correlation between atherosclerosis and the long term side effects of Tasigna, with the FDA latter announcing a post market review that stated there was a strong association between Tasigna and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Atherosclerosis and other cardiac complications are the primary complications associated with the long term side effects of Tasigna, which are associated with circulation issues with the arteries. Tasigna is a popular treatment medication for chronic myeloid leukemia, which was approved by the FDA in 2007.

Even though this is one of the world’s most popular cancer treatment drugs, Tasigna was approved with a Black Box warning label describing long term side effects of Tasigna. However, patients have alleged that they were not warned that atherosclerosis or PAD were linked with the long term side effects of Tasigna.

Overview of Long Term Side Effects of Tasigna

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the artery walls thicken or harden with plaque buildup, which may cause PAD.

PAD often consists of circulation problems developing in the arms or legs due to the effects of atherosclerosis causing a blood clot to form. When the blood clot forms, circulation to the upper and lower limbs may be compromised and are at risk for amputation.

In the most serious cases, patients with this condition can develop a stroke. Tasigna patients suffering from PAD symptoms may develop pain in the arms, legs, stomach and head and should report these symptoms to their doctor immediately.

In addition, PAD patients may also feel fatigue and pain in the lower limbs when doing acts of physical activity. The first study to connect atherosclerosis and PAD to long term side effects of Tasigna was published in 2011 and found that 25 percent of Tasigna patients experienced vascular problems and 16 percent of patients had developed PAD.

Just two years later, nine other Tasigna studies were published that analyzed the alleged correlation between the medication and atherosclerosis. One of these inquires was the post market review from the FDA, which analyzed Tasigna injury reports submitted in the United States and analyzed research from the United States, Canada and Europe.

When the FDA announced its findings, atherosclerosis was added to the list of potential long term side effects of Tasigna. At this point, there have been over a dozen studies indicating that cardiac complications may be linked to the long term side effects of Tasigna including:

• Atherosclerosis
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Circulation problems
• Embolic occlusion
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Amputation
• Death

Even though these complications can be potentially fatal, manufacturer Novartis allegedly failed to disclose this information to the general public. Patients who suffered these long term side effects of Tasigna may be able to file legal action against Novartis to seek potential compensation.

The damages patients can seek could potentially include negligence and failure to warn, as well as other financial damages like missing wages.