As with any medication, there are side effects and risks associated with short and long-term use of the leukemia drug Tasigna, and more consumers are coming forward to report issues associated with side effects of Tasigna.

The side effects of Tasigna can be very difficult for someone to deal with after the fact. Some patients who have been negatively affected report that the manufacturers did not do enough to warn consumers and the medical community about the risks associated with the drug.

If you have been affected by side effects of Tasigna that include cardiovascular or circulatory issues after taking the chemotherapy medication, you may be eligible to participate in a class action investigation.

The side effects of Tasigna have been documented in over a dozen studies around the world, linking the cancer medication commonly used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia to a dangerous risk of medical conditions such as atherosclerosis.

When someone begins taking a medication in order to help with treatment, it’s important for that patient to be aware of the risks and the benefits. Although all medications carry a risk, when manufacturers conceal or fail to disclose a serious side effect, patients may ultimately file a lawsuit against the drug’s makers.

Atherosclerosis May Be Side Effect of Tasigna Use

Atherosclerosis is the medical terminology for the narrowing, clogging or hardening of the arteries. Doctors and patients across the United States concerned about the side effects of Tasigna say that the manufacturer never warned them about the risk of atherosclerosis or the complications it can cause.

Some of the most common side effects of Tasigna reported by consumers who have chosen to take legal action include infection, artery disease, embolic occlusion, heart attack, amputation, stroke and circulatory issues associated with the brain, heart or limbs.

Tasigna was originally approved in 2007 by the FDA for treating chronic myeloid leukemia and remains a popular form of cancer medication available today with billions in sales. The side effects of Tasigna were originally outlined on a black box warning on the medication but the specific risk of atherosclerosis and associated complications were not included for some time.

Tasigna and Arterial Issues

Atherosclerosis may cause the patient’s artery walls to harden and thicken with the development of plaque, ultimately impeding blood flow. This can lead to the development of peripheral arterial disease and is a serious side effect.

The first study of these cardiovascular side effects of Tasigna was published in 2011, identifying that one quarter of patients suffered vascular problems and more than 15 percent developed peripheral arterial disease because of using the medication.

In 2013, nine additional studies documenting the side effects of Tasigna were published, outlining the serious risks for patients.

Patients who developed atherosclerosis after taking Tasigna may benefit from participating in a class action investigation. Learning more about the rights of patients may be a natural next step.