Manufactured by Sanofi Aventis, Taxotere is a popular chemotherapy drug that belongs to the taxane class of drugs. The drugmakers developed it from Pacific Yew tree bark, and researchers also called it a plant alkaloid.
The FDA sanctioned this drug way back in 1996. It helps to treat several kinds of tumors, such as neck, breast, prostate, stomach, and lung cancer. The doctors might suggest this drug as a stand-alone treatment or along with various other chemotherapy drugs based on the patient’s condition.
Even though you can have access to the medicine in its generic version, which is docetaxel, the manufacturing company makes profits from selling the brand-name drug. Based on the 2023 first quarter report of the company, Taxotere occupies a part of the non-core asset sales selection. Additionally, the drug is available in nearly 90 countries and is sanctioned for 11 various indications in 5 types of tumors.
However, according to a few studies, the drug results in eye problems. Several breast cancer survivors have filed lawsuits complaining that Sanofi Aventis didn’t warn them about eye damage and vision issues. In this article, we will discuss the eye complications that this drug causes and what a patient can do when they are faced with this tragic predicament.
The Risk of Epiphora Associated with Taxotere
In March 2023, AboutLawsuits.com shared the news about a cancer patient who used Taxotere and suffered from epiphora, a condition where the eyes become watery. Today, Sanofi Aventis faces several lawsuits about this health hazard, with victims waiting for their Taxotere lawsuit settlement amounts so that they can cover the damages.
The complaint was filed by Shirley Webb, who shared that she went through a treatment where the doctor prescribed her Taxotere. She used the drug between September and December 2020, and currently, she is suffering from epiphora in both eyes.
Epiphora occurs when a patient’s watery eyes are caused by excess tears because of lacrimal obstruction. It makes a person appear as if they are crying continually. The condition is treated with medicated eye drops. Other side effects comprise red eyes, eye pain, sinus headaches, cloudy vision, and itchiness.
The lawsuits that had been filed in 2022 by patients who suffered from epiphora stated that this condition might become permanent in certain cases. A study done by the University of British Columbia researchers revealed that patients who use Taxotere are at a high risk of epiphora. Another risk includes optic nerve damage or optic neuropathy.
Taxotere Side Effects: How Can You Cope?
Even though Taxotere is a useful cancer treatment, patients need to address epiphora and other side effects that they suffer from after using this drug. Not every patient would have the same degree of suffering. However, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the risks so that they are aware of the things to do in case they are affected by the drug.
It includes the following:
- Talk about the probable adverse effects with their oncologist before using the drug.
- Once the treatment has started, it is necessary to keep a note of all the side effects and share the same with your healthcare provider.
- Check what the oncologist has to say to manage the side effects.
- Try to find probable alternative approaches that can reduce or remove the complications.
- Get connected with other fellow patients through support groups and various forums to learn about the new tactics that lead to side effects.
It is crucial to know that the onset and severity of the side effects vary. Individuals who receive this treatment should stay alert for any unusual symptoms and report them to their concerned doctors.
If a patient is experiencing milder symptoms, they should opt for ample rest, get good nutrition, and do light exercises so that the body gradually copes. However, it is essential to opt for medical attention in case of other severe reactions, like fever, swelling and pain at the injection site, breathing challenges, or throat or mouth pain.
The Legal Recourse
Getting medical treatment is the first step to take when you have faced the side effects of Taxotere, especially epiphora. Once that is done, it is necessary to seek legal help. Tru Lawsuit Info states that contacting a lawyer and working in cooperation with them is the ideal way out. The lawyers use the evidence submitted to them and create a compelling case so that patients can get the compensation they deserve.
Other than attaining fair compensation, a lawyer also helps the victim arrange their legal case in a way that appears urgent so that the court sanctions the compensation quickly. They can then use this money to cover all their economic and non-economic damages.
In conclusion
when a drug aimed at benefiting patients backfires because it leads to side effects, that’s when the patients lose out on their trust. They also claim that the manufacturing company is aware of such hazards but still didn’t update the patients. The same seems to be the case with Taxotere. Hence, patients who are affected must seek immediate medical care and then decide to navigate the legal pathway under the guidance of a lawyer.
