Parker Waichman LLP

Taxotere and the Risk of Alopecia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Taxotere as a chemotherapy drug in 1996. Taxotere is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and is commonly used to treat breast cancer, as well as other cancers. Some patients taking Taxotere have reported experiencing permanent hair loss, or alopecia. In December 2015, the FDA warned that Taxotere was linked […]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Taxotere as a chemotherapy drug in 1996. Taxotere is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and is commonly used to treat breast cancer, as well as other cancers. Some patients taking Taxotere have reported experiencing permanent hair loss, or alopecia. In December 2015, the FDA warned that Taxotere was linked to cases of permanent alopecia. The drug label was updated to reflect this information.

Chemotherapy itself can lead to hair loss. This is because chemotherapy drugs such as Taxotere target rapidly dividing cells in the body, which stops the growth of cancer cells as well as other fast-growing cells such as hair follicles. In most cases, hair loss from chemotherapy is transient. Taxotere use has been linked to cases of permanent baldness.

Sanofi-Aventis is facing lawsuits filed by patients who allege that they were never warned about the risk of permanent hair loss with Taxotere. One lawsuit, recently filed in San Diego, alleges that the company has been aware of the risk of baldness since 2005. The complaint cites data from one of the company’s own studies to support this claim. The lawsuit also alleges that Sanofi was aware of warnings for permanent baldness in Canada and Europe, but the label in the United States was not updated until last January.

Sanofi funded a study called the GEICAM 9805 study, which found that 9.2 percent of patients taking Taxotere suffered from hair loss lasting at least 10 years. A researcher at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers also published a study, finding that six percent of women experienced alopecia.

The Annals of Oncology published a study evaluating hair loss in women using Taxotere. The authors noted “Considering the increasing role of taxane-based therapies in adjuvant treatment, physicians and patients should be aware of this new distressing side-effect,” Of the 20 women who took Taxotere in the study, 19 developed hair loss. Researchers noted one woman who previously underwent chemotherapy with different drugs to treat recurring breast cancer; she had suffered temporary hair loss in the past. After taking Taxotere, the hair loss was permanent.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Good morning, I felt very grateful with the result of the service you provided me thanks to Jorge Peniche and Jillian Cantinieri, without a doubt you would refer my friends, thank you
MERCEDES grullon
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
As a survivor of the 9/11 disaster zone, I really appreciate the direction, support, and friendliness of working with Parker Waichman in submitting my VCF claim. It would not have been possible without their dedicated assistance (and sometimes hand holding!) I would like to give a special shout out to Tina who was a joy to work with. She makes you feel that YOUR claim is the only one she is working on and YOUR claim is THE most important one on her desk. I recommend Parker Waichman to my former colleagues and friends who need help organizing their files for VCF fund consideration.
Sarah Awan Johnson
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Michele J at Parker waichman Was the best in helping me understand the process about the final stages of my dear fathers lawsuit settlement.mr Parker and mr waichman Michelle is extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.my recommendation would to please let her know how thankful we are and we just wanted to let you know you definitely have a special lady working for your law firm .please let her know about my letter to you and again Michelle deserves recognition in her professionalism and knowledge.yours truly Steven Sica
Kelly Sica
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038