Tasigna medication for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries.

Novartis makes Tasigna (nilotinib), which was FDA-approved in 2007 as a chemotherapy drug to specifically treat patients suffering from Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia. The cancer causes the bone marrow to create an overabundance of white blood cells, but these extra white blood cells are abnormal and can eventually overcome the number of healthy cells.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 8,900 Americans will be diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia this year, and 1,080 will die of it.

Patients who have taken Tasigna medication say they were not warned that atherosclerosis could be a side effect. The condition causes plaque to build up along the walls of the arteries. This plaque narrows the path, restricting the flow of blood.

Atherosclerosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to a number of serious consequences, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Severe muscle cramps in the hips, thighs or calves when walking, exercising or climbing stairs can be symptoms of PAD. The cramps occur because the limbs are not receiving an adequate blood supply to meet the demands of the physical exertion.

Other symptoms of PAD might include:

• Wounds on the foot or toe that won’t heal
• A large decrease in the temperature of one leg’s foot or lower part of the leg compared to the other leg
• Inhibited nail growth on the toes or hair growth on the legs
• Erectile dysfunction, especially in men with diabetes

Severe atherosclerosis can deter circulation to the point that gangrene sets in, leading to the need for amputation of an affected limb. When the carotid artery is blocked, the patient suffers a stroke.

More than a dozen studies throughout the world have linked Tasigna medication with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The first study completed in 2011 showed that 25 percent of patients on Tasigna developed vascular issues, while another 16 percent were diagnosed with PAD.

Novartis finally updated the label on Tasigna medication to include a warning regarding the increased risk of atherosclerosis in 2013, but many patients already had suffered the allegedly hidden side effect by then.

In addition to PAD, atherosclerosis caused by Tasigna medication can lead to coronary artery disease, circulation problems of the extremities, heart or brain, embolic occlusion, heart attack, stroke, infection and death.

In addition to atherosclerosis, the FDA has issued several warnings regarding Tasigna medication serious side effects that include:

• Pancreatitis
• Liver damage
• Electrolyte imbalances in the blood
• Metabolic abnormalities
• Severe bleeding
• Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• Sudden death

If you have suffered from any of these side effects from Tasigna medication after taking the drug to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, you could be eligible for compensation through legal representation.