More and more cancer patients are coming forward, alleging that they suffered Tasigna atherosclerosis after taking the leukemia medication.

Background of Tasigna

Tasigna (also known by its generic name, nilotinib) is a relatively new cancer medication manufactured by Novartis, and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 as a chronic myeloid leukemia treatment. Tasigna has risen rapidly to become one of the most widely used cancer drugs on the market, raking in $1.7 billion in sales in the year 2016 alone.

As with most drugs, Tasigna has its share of side effects. Tasigna’s product information includes a Black Box warning, which is used to warn of the most severe associated complications. However, patients claim that they were not adequately warned about the risk of Tasigna atherosclerosis for years.

Tasigna Atherosclerosis

Essentially, Tasigna atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular condition involving the artery arteries. When suffering from Tasigna atherosclerosis, plaque builds up on a patient’s artery walls, causing them to harden and narrow, limititing blood flow. Eventually, this leads to the arteries narrowing far too much, causing peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

PAD most often affects the legs, but can also cause symptoms in the arms, stomach, and head. PAD symptoms can include cramping, pain, or tiredness, and often makes it difficult to walk or climb stairs. The symptoms generally improve with rest, though any further activity will cause them to return.

Lack of blood circulation caused by Tasigna atherosclerosis is irreversible, and it can cause severe and dangerous complications. These side effects include blood clots, which can lead to pain, sores or ulcers, and walking difficulties. Total blockage of an artery can lead to gangrene or limb amputation. If the affected artery is a carotid artery, blockage may even lead to a stroke.

Tasigna Studies

Studies have found significant Tasigna atherosclerosis risk in the last few years, with results published in multiple prominent medical journals across North America and Europe.

The first of these Tasigna atherosclerosis studies was published back in 2011, just four years after the drug was initially approved. The study found that 25 percent of Tasigna patients suffered from vascular problems, and 16 percent experienced peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

A postmarket review from the FDA noted that, given adverse event reports in the U.S. and reports from other countries regarding the drug, its findings “strongly suggest an association between nilotinib (Tasigna) and PAOD (peripheral arterial occlusive disease).”

The FDA’s findings, released in 2013, prompted Tasigna’s Black Box label to include the risk of Tasigna atherosclerosis. Patients note that the medication was available and in use for years without this warning.

Filing a Tasigna Atherosclerosis Lawsuit

A growing number of cancer patients are coming forward with litigation against Novartis, Tasigna’s manufacturer. According to lawsuits, the company was actually aware of the risk of Tasigna atherosclerosis, yet failed to give adequate warning to the public and the medical community about these risks, even waiting for years to add the risk to the Black Box warning label.

If you or someone you love has suffered from Tasigna atherosclerosis or related conditions, you may be able to file a Tasigna lawsuit against Novartis. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these side effects, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.