New data suggests that use of Tasigna may be among atherosclerosis risk factors, a condition involving the hardening of the arteries which can lead to severe cardiovascular side effects.

Tasigna (nilotinib) is a chemotherapy agent often used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, a variety of bone marrow cancer.

The chemotherapy drug was designed by Novartis and approved in 2007 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Tasigna is a widely used drug and made over $1.7 million around the world in 2017 alone.

Despite the drug’s success, Tasigna may be among atherosclerosis risk factors.

Atherosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of the walls of blood vessels due to a buildup of plaque. When excess plaque builds up in the arteries, it can result in reduced blood flow and other cardiovascular side effects including peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease, circulatory issues, embolic occlusion, heart attack, stroke, infection, amputation, and death.

Tasigna and Atherosclerosis

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), there are many atherosclerosis risk factors which increase the likelihood of developing the disease and its side effects.

These atherosclerosis risk factors include unhealthy blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and an unhealthy diet.

While these atherosclerosis risk factors make sense when considering a cardiovascular condition, most consumers would not assume that a chemotherapy agent would also increase the risks for the condition.

More than a dozen studies have shown that Tasigna treatment may be associated with atherosclerosis risk factors. The first study to link the chemotherapy drug with the cardiovascular condition was published in 2011 and found that 25 percent of patients experienced vascular problems due to treatment with Tasigna.

In 2013, an FDA post market review was added to the list of studies supporting the link between Tasigna and atherosclerosis.

The review considered adverse event reports in the United States as well as research from the United States, Canada, and Europe. In their review, the FDA said that its findings “strongly suggest an association between nilotinib (Tasigna) and PAOD (peripheral arterial occlusive disease).”

As a result of this review, a warning was added to Tasigna labeling, cautioning consumers that the drug may be among atherosclerosis risk factors.

Critics of the chemotherapy drug argue that Novartis should have warned consumers that being treated with Tasigna may increase their risk of cardiovascular side effects including atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, and coronary artery disease.

Some consumers have filed lawsuits over the issue, aiming to hold Tasigna manufacturers accountable for misrepresenting their product as safe.

Heart conditions which may arise due to atherosclerosis, including heart disease and circulatory issues, require frequent monitoring and proactive treatment to ensure long term health.

Some Tasigna patients argue that, because they were not warned that the chemotherapy drug may be among atherosclerosis risk factors, they were unable to properly monitor their cardiovascular health and consider the risks that they faced.

If you were treated with Tasigna and later developed cardiovascular side effects, including atherosclerosis and related conditions, you may be eligible to file a Tasigna lawsuit against the drugs’ manufacturers.

A Tasigna lawsuit could potentially recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and more.