Sanofi Aventis faces a new Taxotere side effects lawsuit filed by a woman alleging she suffered severe adverse side effects and complications from the drug.

The Taxotere side effects lawsuit was filed on July 31, 2018, by plaintiff Cherilyn K. and joins a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) filed against the company. The lawsuit demands a trial by jury.

According to the Taxotere side effects lawsuit, Cherilyn is a resident of the state of Michigan. She and her doctor used Taxotere to treat advanced-stage breast cancer between Oct. 10, 2012 and Jan. 29, 2013. However, Cherilyn says that following use of the medication, “she suffered from permanent/persistent hair loss and diffuse thinning of hair.”

The Taxotere side effects lawsuit was filed on multiple counts including failure to warn, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, and fraud and deceit. Other counts include violations of Applicable Michigan Law Prohibiting Consumer Fraud and Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices, as well as a loss of consortium count filed by her spouse.

Overview: Taxotere Side Effects

Cherilyn’s claim is filed as part of an MDL centered on allegations that Taxotere causes patients to suffer from permanent hair loss (alopecia). Victims who have taken Taxotere report that while they expected hair loss, they were never warned about the risks for developing side effects like permanent hair loss.

Taxotere (docetaxel) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2004.  When discovered, the risks for permanent hair loss side effects were warned about in Europe and Canada, but consumers in the U.S. were left in the dark and unaware until 2015.

Nearly 1,600 lawsuits have been filed against Sanofi accusing the company of concealing clinical studies linking toxic side effects, including development of alopecia from the chemotherapy drug.  Development of permanent hair loss is a devastating side effect being linked to Taxotere, as it impacts patients not only physically but emotionally.

Permanent alopecia from Taxotore affects all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. In fact, a study published in the Annals of Oncology by Kluger in 2012 followed 20 women who were being treated by Taxotere for breast cancer. The study found that 19 of the 20 women suffered from permanent hair loss side effects including the loss of eyelash and eyebrow hair.

Moreover, according to the study, “no spontaneous regrowth of the scalp hair was noted. Treatment including vitamins … proved to be ineffective.”

The study did find that for one patient being treated for recurring breast cancer using an alternate chemotherapy medication had complete hair regrowth; however, once she began taking Taxotere, permanent hair loss side effects resulted.

Other side effects that have also been linked to the medication include infections, fatigue and weakness, diarrhea, nausea, muscle, joint or bone pain, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Taxotere Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 2:18-cv-07139-JTM-MBN, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The Taxotere MDL is In re: Taxotere (Docetaxel) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2740, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.