Novartis Warns That Tasigna Can Cause Atherosclerosis

Sudden death from a heart attack is one of the many side effects of taking Tasigna anti-cancer chemotherapy

Sunday, May 6, 2018 - Anti-cancer chemotherapy drugs such as Tasigna (nilotinib) work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. First approved by the FDA in 2007 to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), Tasigna works by blocking tyrosine kinase, a type of protein that cancer cells thrive on, from growing in an attempt to starve them. Tasigna carries a variety of nasty side effects, most of which diminish when chemotherapy stops. Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, tiredness, open sores, and mouth lesions are all temporary side effects of the drugs that fight cancer. In addition to the temporary side effects of the drug, Tasigna is also being linked to causing atherosclerosis and the product now carries a warning label alerting consumers.

Patients are now warned of the deadly atherosclerosis risks in a "Boxed Warning" on the product's packaging. A black box warning is reserved for drugs that carry the risk of serious adverse health consequences including death when used as directed. The company admits in the warning that, "TASIGNA can cause a possible life-threatening heart problem called QTc prolongation, that (causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death)." Tasigna has also been linked to atherosclerosis, a permanent, irreversible clogging of the arteries, a serious condition that can lead to paralysis from strokes, amputations from necrosis, and instant death from heart attack. Tasigna warns about atherosclerosis, stating that Tasigna causes, "Decreased blood flow to the legs, heart, or brain. People who have recently been diagnosed with Ph+ CML and take TASIGNA may develop decreased blood flow to the legs, the heart, or brain. Get medical help right away if you suddenly develop, chest pain or discomfort, numbness or weakness, problems walking or speaking leg pain, your leg feels cold, or a change in the skin color of your leg." The product also warns potential consumers that Tasigna can cause, rash, headaches, tiredness, itching, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms.

Tasigna is manufactured and marketed by Novartis, AG and was developed to replace Gleevec, also from Novartis, the world's most popular anti-cancer brand generating tens of millions of dollars in profits for Novartis every year. Since their patent for Gleevec was scheduled to expire Novartis marketing representatives embarked on a campaign to incentivize specialty pharmacists to fill Gleevec prescriptions with Tasigna. They successfully did so using unethical and illegal sales contests and monetary incentives.

Tasigna atherosclerosis lawsuits are being filed by those injured by Tasigna alleging that the company failed to warn them of the drug's atherosclerosis side effects until it was too late. Novartis settled a $1 billion civil lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice for $390 for paying illegal cash bonuses to specialty pharmacies to promote Tasigna. "Novartis incentivized and pressured the pharmacies to emphasize benefits to patients while understating the drug's serious, potentially life-threatening side effects," according to a department of justice spokesperson. The lawsuit also cited the company for their illicit marketing practices including illegal bribes and rebates.

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Lawyers for Tasigna Atherosclerosis Lawsuits

Attorneys handling Tasigna lawsuits for leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma offer free, no-obligation case review for individuals and families who believe they may have grounds to file a Tasigna lawsuit. Working on a contingency basis, these attorneys are committed to never charging legal fees unless they win compensation in your Tasigna lawsuit. The product liability litigators handling Roundup claims at the Onder Law Firm have a strong track record of success in representing families harmed by dangerous drugs and consumer products.