Tasigna, a chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia since its FDA approval a decade ago, has unfortunately been linked with some serious side effects—including peripheral arterial disease. Tasigna’s manufacturer, Novartis, allegedly failed to warn about these risks, according to a growing pile of lawsuits.

Patients who have suffered from peripheral arterial disease after being treated with Tasigna may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Basics of Tasigna

Tasigna is manufactured by Novartis, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 as a treatment for chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia cancer. It is also sold under the generic name nilotinib and is part of a larger class of medications known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Since its approval, Tasigna has quickly become one of the more popular cancer medications—in 2016 alone, Tasigna brought in a whopping $1.7 billion in sales.

Tasigna has undoubtedly made strides forward in the chemotherapy field, as it is the first of these tyrosine kinase inhibitors for which it was possible to discontinue therapy and maintain the same molecular response. This is known as Treatment-free Remission (TFR), and information about this was added to Tasigna label in 2017. While TFR with Tasigna would require monitoring to ensure that the response is continuing as expected, the actual treatment with Tasigna would be able to stop.

While this marks a dramatic step forward, the chemotherapy drug has unfortunately been linked with some very serious and even life-threatening complications that could render these advances moot for some patients.

Side Effects of Tasigna

More than a dozen studies have been conducted across the globe that have linked this popular cancer drug with life-threatening symptoms like atherosclerosis that can cause peripheral arterial disease.

When a patient suffers atherosclerosis, their artery walls thicken and plaque builds up, limiting essential blood flow and causing peripheral arterial disease. Peripheral arterial disease, sometimes known as peripheral vascular disease, may include symptoms like cramping, pain, or tiredness, and difficulty walking or climbing stairs. With rest, the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease often lessen, but physical activity will bring them back.

The loss of blood circulation from peripheral arterial disease can become a serious risk, even leading to major cardiovascular issues. In extreme cases, when the artery becomes totally blocked from peripheral arterial disease, patients may suffer from gangrene or require limb amputation. A carotid artery affected by peripheral arterial disease may result in a stroke.

A post-market review from the FDA noted that its findings “strongly suggest an association between nilotinib (Tasigna) and PAOD (peripheral arterial occlusive disease)”. The FDA released its findings in 2013, and as a result, Novartis updated its Black Box warning label for Tasigna to include the risk of peripheral arterial disease.

Filing a Tasigna Lawsuit

Some patients claim that Novartis was aware of the risk of Tasigna side effects, yet failed to warn the public and the medical community about these risks for a substantial period of time.

If you or someone you love has suffered from Tasigna side effects like peripheral arterial disease or related conditions, you may be able to file a Tasigna lawsuit against Novartis. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these side effects, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.