Many who take Tasigna for as a chemotherapy treatment do not expect to be faced with additional serious diseases as a result of the drug. Tasigna cardiovascular disease is a real threat for those who have been prescribed Tasigna to treat their chronic myeloid leukemia.

Tasigna, generically known as nilotinb, is a chemotherapy drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2007. It was thought to be a new, hopeful treatment for those with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) whose disease was resistant to previous medications.

CML is a type of blood cancer that affects thousands of Americans every year. Tasigna works by preventing the growth of cells with abnormal chromosomes. It does this by targeting the creation of a certain protein by prohibiting the growth of the chromosome that produces this protien. This protein is seen as the main reason cancers can grow in the blood.

In preclinical trials, Tasigna proved to be very effective. After six months, Tasigna reduced or eradicated the abnormal chromosome in 40 percent of patients. In 2016 alone, Tasigna did over $1.7 billion in sales.

However, in recent years, Tasigna has been connected to a different life-threatening condition. Multiple studies from around the world have connected the use of this drug to atherosclerosis.

This Tasigna cardiovascular disease is a clogging, hardening or narrowing the arteries. This may cause peripheral arterial disease. Tasigna may restrict blood flow to vital parts of the body by causing arteries to swell.

Tasigna may create a condition where the walls of the arteries of the body are built up with plaque. This narrows the arterial walls and restricts blood flow to the limbs as well as vital organs. When this happens, this condition is known as peripheral arterial disease.

Both Tasigna cardiovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease are very serious. These diseases can lead to limb amputation, other cardiovascular problems and even death.

Symptoms of Tasigna cardiovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease can range from mild to severe. Pain in the legs or cramping when walking up stairs can be a symptom.

However, the lack of circulation that can occur with Tasigna cardiovascular disease cannot be reversed. It is a serious condition.

When Tasigna was approved, it was approved with a black box warning, but not a warning for Tasigna cardiovascular disease. The black box warning contained warnings for other side effects.

Tasigna cardiovascular disease is dangerous for many reasons. Plaque buildup can break off from the wall of the artery and trigger a blood clot to form. If blood clots remain in the limbs, it can create pain, ulcers or difficulty walking. If circulation is completely lost, a patient can suffer from gangrene or amputation.

If you have experienced any type of Tasigna cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, heart attack, circulatory issues or coronary heart disease you may be eligible for a Tasigna cardiovascular disease lawsuit. Additional eligible complications include stroke, infection, amputation and death.

Patients who have suffered any of the preceding complications may benefit from speaking to an experienced attorney.