Tasigna (nilotinib) is a chemotherapy drug originally approved to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Tasigna can have serious and life-threatening side effects, including the development of atherosclerosis. When the drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007, it carried warnings for some of the serious side effects, but no warning about atherosclerosis. In 2013, a warning about the danger was issued in Canada, but no such warning letter was issued in the U.S.
Studies Show Atherosclerosis Risk
Numerous studies have found a link between Tasigna use and atherosclerosis, nine of which were published in 2013 alone. One of the 2013 studies was an FDA postmarket review. The agency stated that the study “strongly suggest an association between nilotinib (Tasigna) and PAOD (peripheral arterial occlusive disease)”. That year, a warning letter was sent to doctors in Canada, but not in the U.S.
Dangers of Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a very serious health condition which can have life-threatening or fatal complications. Dangers of atherosclerosis include:
- Coronary heart disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Carotid artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Embolic occlusion
- Circulatory problems leading to gangrene and amputation
- Chronic kidney disease
Other Serious Side Effects
Tasigna can also have other very serious side effects including:
- Pancreatitis
- Liver problems
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
- Kidney problems
- Low blood count
- Bleeding in the brain
- Decreased blood flow to the brain, heart, or leg
- QT prolongation
- Sudden death
If you believe that your injuries or the death of a loved one was caused but Tasigna, please talk to an experienced defective drug attorney right away to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
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