Taxotere, a chemotherapy drug from Sanofi-Aventis, can result in permanent hair loss, also know as Taxotere alopecia.

Sanofi-Aventis stands accused of knowing of the possibility of permanent hair loss, but not including any such warning on its packaging.

Women were often sold on the Taxotere treatment because only four treatments were required; other chemotherapy options required 12 treatments.

Some women insist they would have chosen more treatments of a different drug if it meant their hair would have grown backversus dealing with the Taxotere long-term side effects.

Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

Those who fight cancer know hair loss is a side effect of chemotherapy treatments. Most of the time, though, hair grows back three months after the final treatment.

A group of women from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and France have found a common bond in Taxotere long-term side effects. They call themselves the Taxotears because not only are they rid of cancer, but also rid of their hair.

They say it is emotionally taxing to look in the mirror every day and not feel like they have been able to return to their pre-cancer look.

Taxotere long-term side effects can mean peach fuzz covers their heads instead of real hair. Survivors go forward with no eyelashes, no eyebrows and no body hair.

Sanofi-Aventis Allegedly Downplays Hair Loss

When asked about the emotional toll that permanent hair loss takes on women, vice-president of medical affairs at Sanofi-Aventis Canada Laurent-Didier Jacobs said that permanent hair loss is “not life-threatening or is not something which impairs the likelihood of survival… things should be put in perspective.”

Breast cancer survivors are not saying they aren’t grateful for being alive; they are saying they will never feel completely whole again because of their post-cancer appearance.

Sherry L., 51, of France, said, “It’s like having ‘I’m a cancer sufferer’ tattooed on your forehead… I look like an 80-year-old, ugly old man.”

Sherry is a Taxotears member who posted photos of her balding head on Taxotere’s Facebook page.

“We want every woman who’s been offered Taxotere to know it is a possibility, so it is her choice whether to take the risk or not,” Sherry said.

Other Taxotere Long-term Side Effects

Permanent hair loss is not the only possible Taxotere long-term side effect.

Some patients experience neuropathy of the hands and feet. Numbness, tingling and loss of reflexes are symptoms. The National Institutes of Health states that the incidence of neuropathy is related to the total dose of Taxotere administered.

While some cases of neuropathy can resolve after treatment, other patients report permanent problems that even interfere with their ability to walk. Older patients can experience poor balance and a greater incidence of falling because of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Fatigue is among Taxotere long-term side effects. Studies have shown that exercise can actually reduce fatigue in cancer patients. Yoga or acupuncture have been known to be helpful for some patients.

Studies show that as many as 20 percent of breast cancer patients have a secondary cancer diagnosed as well. Continued screening after the Taxotere therapy is completed is highly recommended.

If you or someone you know has undergone Taxotere chemotherapy treatment and suffers from Taxotere long-term side effects, you could benefit from a class action lawsuit.