Tasigna leukemia treatment medication has been linked to a number of serious side effects and complications. Tasigna is a popular cancer drug prescribed to treat leukemia. However, side effects linked to the medication have included atherosclerosis, circulatory issues, heart attack, stroke and even death.

Atherosclerosis is the condition caused by the clogging, narrowing and hardening of arteries, which can lead to an even more serious condition known as peripheral arterial disease.

Tasigna leukemia treatment side effects reported by patients have included some of the following:

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

Overview: Tasigna Leukemia Treatment Side Effects

Tasigna leukemia treatment became approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007. It is prescribed for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to inhibit cancer cell growth.

CML is a slowly progressing and fairly uncommon blood-cell cancer that originates in the bone marrow. The condition typically affects older adults and is caused by a spontaneous chromosome mutation. Symptoms of CML may include feeling rundown or tired, pale skin, night sweats and bleeding easily.

While symptoms typically do not appear until the drug’s later stages, treatments for the condition include chemotherapy, biological therapy, targeted drugs, and stem-cell transplant.

Novartis, Tasigna’s manufacturer, is facing claims that they failed to add warnings of serious adverse effects due to Tasigna leukemia treatment soon enough, which includes risks for the development for atherosclerosis. This is although the drug was approved along with a black box warning for other complications and side effects. This adverse side effects, however, were never warned about.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up within your arteries. It is described as the stiffness and thickness of arteries that are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood to the heart and the rest of the body.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis include chest pain or pressure, numbness or weakness in the arms and legs, temporary vision loss in one eye, and face muscles that droop. However, when arteries become too narrow another condition known as peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, may then start to develop.

PAD symptoms include cramping in the hip and leg muscles while walking or climbing stairs, tiredness, and pain. These symptoms may fade with rest but spring up again with activity.

Other complications that stems from Tasigna atherosclerosis may include some of the following:

• 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.

Lawsuits being filed against the drug’s maker state that patients and doctors throughout the nation were never warned about atherosclerosis and its associated risk development linked to Tasigna. In fact, patients claim that because of the company’s lack in placing an appropriate and accurate drug label that they suffered and were exposed to life-threatening and serious complications.

If you or someone you know suffered from Tasigna leukemia treatment side effects, you may be eligible to file a claim that can help cover damages including medical expenses and bills, wrongful death, and pain and suffering.