Several side effects have been linked to the cancer medication Tasigna, used to treat leukemia. These side effects have included, but have not been limited to, atherosclerosis, circulatory issues, heart attack, stroke, and death. Studies have reportedly linked the cancer medication to these side effects that have reportedly caused even more serious adverse side effects and complications.

Some reported Tasigna side effects 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

Tasigna is prescribed for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a slow-progressing and fairly uncommon type of blood-cell cancer that begins in the bone marrow. However, allegations against Tasigna’s manufacturers accuse them of failing to properly warn the public of complications and adverse side effects linked to the medication.

Tasigna Side Effects

Tasigna (nilotinib) became approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007. It is prescribed to inhibit cancer cell growth and prescribed for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. It is currently one of the most popular drugs being sold on the market with astounding sales of more than $1.7 billion in 2016.

However, although it was approved along with a black box warning for certain side effects, warnings for atherosclerosis side effects may not have been made as clear as they should have been.

The Mayo Clinic describes atherosclerosis as the thickening and stiffness of arteries. This thickness limits the flow of blood to the rest of the body, as arteries are the part of the circulation system by which oxygenated blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body. Symptoms of atherosclerosis may 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 arteries as a result of atherosclerosis become too narrow, they can develop a condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Symptoms of PAD can include pain, tiredness, and cramping in the hip and leg muscles while walking or climbing stairs. And although these symptoms fade away with rest they can typically creep up again with activity. Reports indicate that the adverse effects that stem from the development of atherosclerosis are severe and irreversible.

Tasigna atherosclerosis and the adverse side effect that it can cause by which there is a lack of proper blood circulation can lead to a number of other complications.

• When there is brittleness or inflammation because of plaque buildup, it can break 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 can 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.
• A complete coronary artery blockage can lead to stroke.

Novartis, Tasigna’s manufacturer, is facing a number of lawsuits that claim the company of being aware of the adverse side effects associated with Tasigna but of not adding warning labels soon enough. If you or a loved one have suffered from Tasigna side effects you may be eligible to file a claim that can help cover you for pain and suffering, medical expenses or bills, and wrongful death.