There have been several CML treatment side effects and complications linked to Tasigna, a popular cancer drug prescribed to treat a deadly and serious cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia. Several studies report that CML treatment side effects linked to Tasigna may include atherosclerosis, circulatory issues, heart attack, stroke, and even death.

Atherosclerosis is the clogging, hardening, and narrowing of arteries. This condition may lead to an even more serious condition known as peripheral arterial disease.

Other side effects reported by patients with Tasigna have included:

• Amputation
• Death
• Infection
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Embolic occlusion
• Coronary artery disease
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Circulatory issues of arms, heart, legs, or brain
• Atherosclerosis

Patients have filed legal claims against Tasigna’s manufacturers accusing them of failing to warn about CML treatment side effects such as atherosclerosis. These patients claim that because of the manufacturer’s failure to add accurate warning labels, they were unknowingly exposed to a risk of life-threatening and serious complications.

Overview: CML Treatment Side Effects

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Tasgina (nilotinib) in 2007. The medication treats chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. CML is a fairly uncommon blood-cell cancer that affects the bone marrow. Symptoms of CML include feeling rundown or tired, pale skin, night sweats, and bleeding easily.

Allegations against Novartis claim that they failed to add warning labels for Tasigna’s severe and serious adverse side effects. While Tasigna was approved with a black box warning for other complications and side effects, the risks for development for atherosclerosis was never mentioned.

Atherosclerosis is the condition to which there is a build-up of plaque in the arteries. A stiffness or thickness develops in the arteries that function to carry oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

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

When atherosclerosis becomes too serious, it can develop into another condition known as peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Symptoms of PAD may also include: cramping in the hip and leg muscles while walking or climbing stairs, tiredness, and pain. Symptoms for PAD are known to lesson with rest but come about again with functional activity.

The lack of proper blood circulation that occurs with Tasigna may also lead to other severe and irreversible side effects such as:

• Brittleness or inflammation due to plaque buildup that then breaks away leading to the formation of a blood clot. Blood clots may further allow complete block and even the artery to become more narrow.
• Blood clots that lead to additional adverse side effects and complications such as sores, ulcers, changes in skin color, and difficulty walking.
• Gangrene and even limb amputation can result from the loss of circulation in the legs or feet.
• Complete coronary artery blockage that leads to stroke.

If you or someone you known have suffered from CML treatment side effects, you may be eligible to file a claim that can help cover damages such as medical expenses, bills, wrongful death, and pain and suffering.