Say that you’ve been suffering from an illness that requires a specific medication. Now say that the pharmaceutical product came with a hideous assortment of side effects that hamper your very lifestyle and actually threaten your health.
When suffering from defective drugs, victims are often left to sort out their situation on their own. From recognizing the health issues associated with the product to seeking medical care to treat any unexpected side effects, handling medical bills associated with these health emergencies, and dealing with the overall mental strain, the aftermath of taking a defective drug can be traumatizing.
If you have suffered irreversible and permanent tearing as a result of being treated with the chemotherapy drug, Taxotere, you may be asking if there is justice. In fact, there is.
Not all hope is lost when you decide on seeking the meaningful and quality legal guidance of Hotze Runkle PLLC. Our team of national litigators has the experience, determination, and ability to help you get the results you need if you have been injured by a defective drug – namely – Taxotere.
Types of Defective Drug Claims
Depending on your specific situation, you may be able to file a claim based on any of the three following standards:
- The drug was improperly designed. This occurs when the drug was inherently designed with a defect that makes it dangerous. While this is rare, it can occur.
- The drug was manufactured incorrectly. This occurs when the drug was designed without error but an issue occurred during the manufacturing process that made it dangerous for consumers.
- The drug was improperly marketed or the manufacturer failed to provide consumers adequate warning information. In the advertisement of a drug, the manufacturer must inform users of all known side effects and risks associated with the product. When the company fails to provide this information, they place lives at risk of serious injury – or even death.
What Is the First Step I Take?
The first step to take is to make sure that your health and well-being are not in jeopardy. While you may not initially feel the side effects of the defective drug, it is important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have. Your doctor may be able to provide you an alternative option.
Once you have sought out medical attention – which is also important for securing documentation for your claim – you will want to begin seeking out the assistance of a qualified and committed attorney that has experience handling product liability claims. While you do not want to rush through the process of selecting a lawyer, it is important to keep in mind that there are statutes of limitations that limit the amount of time you have to file a case.
Every state has imposed statutory limits on the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit against another party. Unfortunately, if you do not file your claim before the statute of limitations becomes void, then you are essentially forfeiting your right to seek compensation for the damages you suffered.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Texas?
The statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim, including a defective drug claim, is two (2) years in the state of Texas. If you fail to meet the time limit, the Texas civil court system will most likely deny your claim.
However, it is worth noting that the time limit of filing a product liability claim varies from state to state. Depending on the elements of your claim – and if a class action lawsuit is taking place – you may be able to file your case in that state.
Some injuries are harder to discover and may not be uncovered until years after the injury actually happened. For example, Taxotere users didn’t initially suffer excessive tearing after their initial treatment, but it may have begun to develop after subsequent exposure. In such cases, the issue of when exactly the statute of limitations began to run is an important element to understand.
When Does the Statute of Limitations Begin?
Understanding when the statute of limitations begins for your particular situation is essential to meeting the time limit to file. In certain states, the statute of limitations begins when the defective product/drug was purchased. However, in other instances, the starting date for filing a claim does not begin until after the injury occurred or was discovered.
If the manufacturer of a given product issues a notification that its product was defective, then they may argue that the statute of limitations began at that time.
This is why it is important to seek out legal guidance immediately after you have suffered your injury or uncovered that the product is defective. Time is of the essence and you will want to start the process of filing a claim against the makers of Taxotere as soon as possible.
For more information and a FREE case review, contact the national Taxotere attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC by contacting our office today at (512) 476-7771.
Expert witnesses are individuals who have special knowledge in a particular field relevant to your case. Expert witnesses can provide important pieces of evidence through facts and experience, providing testimony on your behalf.
In the case of a defective drug claim, an expert witness can prove to be essential to proving the validity of your case. Your attorney can help you to secure the aid of these individuals.
At Hotze Runkle PLLC, we understand that the victims of defective drugs are often left in pain and confusion. Without a clear understanding of their legal rights and without much guidance on what steps they need to take next to protect themselves, individuals suffering from a defective product can face a world of problems.
But there is hope.
If you have suffered from permanent, excessive tearing as a result of being treated with the chemotherapy drug, Taxotere, know that you do have legal options. The attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC will help you to develop the strongest claim possible alongside a supporting cast of expert witnesses, medical experts, investigators, researchers, and other legal personnel to secure the results you deserve.
What Is an Expert Witness?
Expert witnesses (also known as judicial experts) are witnesses who, by skill, training, education, or experience, have vital expertise and key knowledge that is beyond what a layperson might have.
In court, they are accepted as having an expert opinion that carries weight. An expert witness can deliver expert evidence using all the knowledge from their given field. An opinion from an expert witness can be used to demonstrate wrongdoing in an accident, the medical facts of a given defective drug, or can provide research highlighting how a given product was improperly designed or manufactured.
When the time comes to prove your damages, expert witnesses can include grief counselors, psychologists, forensic accountants, and psychiatrists.
Expert Witnesses Vs. Testifying Experts
There are two wide categorizations of witnesses – testifying experts and consulting witnesses. A consulting witness can help explain the facts of a case. However, these individuals generally do not testify in court – unless they are recruited to do so. Instead, consulting experts help your legal team to better understand facts regarding the given defective product/drug, how it works, and industry-related standards regarding manufacturing. They can, however, assist your lawyer in securing a qualifying expert witness.
On the other hand, an expert witness does provide testimony in front of a judge or jury.
What Are Some Types of Testifying Experts?
For defective drug claims, the following types of expert witnesses may be able to provide support in proving your claim:
- Accident Reconstruction Expert — An accident reconstructionist can piece together the specifics of an event to determine a timeline.
- Medical Expert — This person will be able to speak about the nature of a plaintiff’s injuries. This will usually provide the necessary evidence against the defendant.
- Engineering Expert — An engineering expert can explain what happened and why when regarding a defective medical device or other product.
- Mental Health Expert — A mental health expert can evaluate the mental state of the plaintiff. Not only that, they can help determine how the injury affected the plaintiff’s state of mind. This can naturally be used to calculate pain and suffering based damages.
- Financial Expert — A financial expert can calculate how much you’re owed in the event of loss of finances as a result of hospital stays and recovery.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Expert — If you were injured as the result of your defective drug use, there are usually questions regarding your ability to be gainfully employed. This type of expert can give the necessary insights into any and possibly all future work prospects.
Get In Touch With Trustworthy Taxotere Lawsuit Attorneys
Breast cancer patients have relied on docetaxel infusions to keep cancer cells from replicating, but unfortunately, docetaxel medications such as Taxotere can have a negative effect on your health.
If you are suffering from permanent and excessive tearing as a result of being treated with Taxotere, you should seek out the unmatched legal experience of the Taxotere lawsuit attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC. Our law firm – in collaboration with expert witnesses – can help to develop a winning case for you.
For more information and a FREE case review, contact the Taxotere lawsuit attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC today by calling (512) 476-7771.
When facing physical, emotional, and financial damages as the result of using a defective drug, legal action may be necessary. Naturally, however, you may have multiple questions such as: What do I do next? What sort of lawsuit do I have on my hands? What’s the difference between a personal claim and a class action suit?
Your Texas pharmaceutical liability attorneys here at Hotze Runkle PLLC would like to inform you about the legal options you may have when it comes to filing a defective drug claim – especially if you have been affected by Taxotere.
If you are wondering whether to file an individual claim or if you should join a class action lawsuit, then consider the following information.
What is an individual pharmaceutical liability lawsuit?
In an individual lawsuit, you – as a single plaintiff – would seek to hold the company (or companies) responsible for causing your injuries. If you decide to file an individual lawsuit, then all compensation would go to you, aside from lawyer fees. This is important to note, as in class action lawsuits, the compensation recovered is split among all plaintiffs.
Compensation in this type of claim can include recovery for the following types of damages:
- Medical costs (past and present)
- Lost income (past and present)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
- Related costs due to illness or recovery
Additionally, if multiple individuals are filing multiple claims, those who file earliest are likely to secure more compensation for their troubles.
What are class action lawsuits?
Class action lawsuits can include dozens to thousands of individuals all joining together to file claims against a company or organization that has wronged them. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, it may benefit you to join a class action lawsuit against the makers of Taxotere versus going at it alone.
Advantages of participating in a class action lawsuit can include:
- It is generally financially easier for a plaintiff to join a class action lawsuit versus filing their own claim. The cost of quality legal counsel is essentially split by all participating parties, thus making it more affordable.
- Class action lawsuits are widely considered a good thing for the court system. If every individual who had been wronged in a class action filed a separate lawsuit, the large number of actions would drag court schedules into a quagmire, causing horrendous problems for the courts and for plaintiffs trying to get a trial date and resolution.
- Resources are shared in a class action lawsuit, which allows the litigation process to function much more efficiently. Plus, with information being readily shared, plaintiffs can benefit from new data or proof showing how they have been harmed.
- In certain situations, class action lawsuits extend the statutes of limitations, giving you more time to act.
- In situations where there are a finite amount of assets for recovery, a class action suit guarantees that the recovery would be divided evenly among all people injured.
Dependable Texas Taxotere Lawsuit Attorneys
If you have suffered from permanent tearing as a result of undergoing chemotherapy treatment, know that you do have options. Our Texas Taxotere lawsuit attorneys can help you determine what your legal options are and whether that means filing an individual claim or filing as part of a class-action lawsuit.
If you suffer from excessive tearing as a result of Taxotere treatment, contact the Taxotere injury attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC today at (877) 919-0830.
Manufacturers can make mistakes, but this often leaves you, the consumer, stuck with the fallout. Whether some sort of faulty surgical device or a terrible side effect of a defective medicine causes you injury, you’ll be the one expected to pay the mounting medical costs.
When individuals fighting breast cancer used Taxotere, they didn’t expect to experience excessive tearing, and as a result, our Austin Taxotere injury attorneys here at Hotze Runkle PLLC are bringing their voices forward to earn the compensation they need to cover damages caused to them through no fault of their own.
However, because product liability claims involve so many different factors, finding the right experienced product liability lawyer to accurately represent your claim can be an overwhelming task. To remedy this, our product liability attorneys have gathered the three following qualities that you should look for if you need representation in your defective drug claim.
1. Experience
When your lawsuit centers on a faulty product or medical procedure, you may not actually be filing against a singular. A long chain often exists in these types of claims as products passed from material suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and so on. Even so, you’ll be going up against a company that may have massive resources and a very high motivation to protect their bottom line.
Attorneys like ours who represent victims in defective product claims know how to counter when the company turns up the heat. Experience is key, and a legal team that has fought pharmaceutical companies and corporations before for years is an excellent ally to have in your claim.
2. Credentials Are A Must
When you’re searching for a defective drug lawyer, their credentials should be one of the first things you look for. Members of a law firm must show you all the necessary documents to prove their qualification like a degree from an accredited law school with a focus on food and drug law and medical law. A dedicated lawyer page that also showcases the accolades he or she has received can also show you the value that this lawyer can bring to your claim.
By seeking an attorney with these qualifications, you’re selecting an attorney that can fight to their fullest potential to win your civil court case.
3. A Bounty of Legal Resources
The saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” is also applicable when finding the right defective lawyer.
While there is no doubt that a qualified lawyer with years of experience can do wonders for your product liability claim, an experienced product liability attorney with a bevy of legal resources is what wins maximum monetary compensation.
An attorney with access to databases that contain relevant information about product liability claims is a plus that can reinforce the strength of your case, but if an attorney has direct access to professionals that can prove the credibility of your case, even better.
An attorney that also has a lot of local professional ties to medical professionals, accident recreation specialists, and engineers is an attorney that is well-stocked in legal resources.
Having ample amounts of legal resources helps attorneys not only prove liability in your case, but it also gives the judge and jury in attendance a full understanding of the severity of your injuries.
Choose the Right Attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC Today
When many users of Taxotere chemotherapy suffered from permanent tearing, they were able to seek justice with the aid of Taxotere injury attorneys like the ones at Hotze Runkle PLLC.
While it is important to look for the aforementioned qualities in a product liability lawyer, we take out all of the guesswork through our sterling reputation in representing those that were taken advantage of by big corporations.
Don’t suffer in silence because of Sanofi-Aventis’ actions. Earn the compensation you need from the maker of Taxotere with the right lawyer. Contact us at (877) 919-0830 to schedule your FREE legal consultation now.
Sometimes, our faith in companies isn’t rewarded. A defect that the manufacturer failed to mention or a vicious round of side effects that weren’t printed on the warning label could pop up and injury you or your loved ones without warning.
If you were to find yourself the victim of either of those circumstances, who would you contact for help? More importantly, how are you going to cover all of these expenses that you have incurred through no fault of your own? You’re not alone, and help is only a phone call away.
Our experienced Texas product liability attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC have spent years fighting the makers of Taxotere, Sanofi-Aventis, who put profits over people, and now, they want to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Kind of Compensation is Applicable in Product Liability?
In product liability, individuals injured by a defective product can qualify for two types of compensation.
- Economic Losses
- Non-Economic Losses
With economic losses, an individual that has filed a product liability claim can seek out compensation to cover monetary losses that come from:
- Medical Bills – Bills that are owed to hospitals, doctors, physical therapists, anesthetists, and pharmacies.
- Cost of Disability – A change in lifestyle brought about by the injury you sustained because of a defective product (e.g. in-home nursing costs, costs associated with home and vehicle renovation for those that were rendered immobile).
- Lost Wages, Earning Capacity, or Profits – Missed work can lead to lost wages, and time away from your business because of injury can lead to lost profits. At the same time, if your injury limits you from positions that help you earn more money in the future, seeking compensation can help you cover living expenses.
- Property Damage and Repair – If the defective product causes the destruction of property, you may be able to seek compensation to cover repairs.
Non-economic losses, however, cover general or non-monetary losses that are harder to determine any specific value. This usually consists of:
- Pain and Suffering – Calculating pain and suffering depends on many different factors and can vary from case to case. However, this type of compensation generally covers the pain, anguish, or loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of Consortium – A defective product injury can damage much more than the body. Companionships, emotional support, sexual relationships, and even a loss of affection are all eligible damages that may warrant compensation.
Product Liability and Recent Taxotere Litigations
Product liability lawsuits are dependent on state law, and a claim must declare negligence, a breach of warranty, or severe liability in order to qualify in civil court. Take, for instance, the ongoing lawsuits regarding Taxotere. Many negative side effects affected users of this chemotherapy drug, such as:
- Hair loss
- Anemia
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
But an unexpected side effect in patients that was discovered was permanent tearing. Permanent tearing has profoundly affected individuals who have undergone Taxotere treatment for breast, prostate, lung, stomach, neck and head cancers.
Attorneys nationwide, including our product liability attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC, have fought for those taken advantage of corporations putting profits over people.
Contact the Texas product liability attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC at (877) 919-0830 to represent you in your Taxotere lawsuit today.
Sanofi is the pharmaceutical company responsible for making Taxotere, the chemotherapy drug which has caused users to suffer from permanent tearing and other eye-related issues.
The multinational pharmaceutical company is headquartered in France, and as of 2013, has been one of the world’s largest leaders in prescription sales. Unfortunately, those sales often come at the price of the health of users.
A series of lawsuits and bad faith actions have dogged the pharmaceutical giant as of late.
But there is hope. You do NOT have to accept the negligent actions of any pharmaceutical company that has taken advantage of you. Our committed team of pharmaceutical lawsuit attorneys here at Hotze Runkle PLLC are ready to help you take a stand against those who harmed you.
Continue reading to learn more about the legal issues Sanofi has faced.
Acts Of Bad Faith
Sanofi disclosed to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs that they had, in fact, through some faulty calculations, overcharged the VA from 2007 to 2011. If that’s not bad enough, The Office of Inspector General for the VA dug deeper into the matter, determining that the error also resulted in overcharges going all the way back to 2002.
Additionally, Sanofi once sponsored a study called GEICAM 9805. The study revealed that over 9.2 percent of women who used the chemo drug suffered permanent hair loss, or alopecia. While Sanofi had warned users across the globe for years, the company never warned users in the United States of this risk.
“Permanent hair loss” or “alopecia” was not visible in any information published in the U.S., according to the various lawsuits.
In another act of bad faith, a 2015 lawsuit was filed by one of Sanofi’s former employees, in which it was alleged that the company engaged in illegal kickbacks to coerce health care professionals into prescribing Taxotere. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Taxotere’s sales soared.
Many of Taxotere lawsuits claim the drug’s sales soared from $424 million in 2000 to well over $1.4 billion in 2004 through misrepresentation, misdirection and illegal payments.
Sanofi Faces Lawsuits
Sanofi has paid nearly $40 million in fines following criminal convictions overseas. The fines were leveled at the company over bribes paid by employees to consultants for one of the company’s numerous clients from 2007 and 2010.
If that’s not enough, a lawsuit over kickbacks paid to various medical experts was filed. Within that lawsuit, it was revealed that there was an actual attempt to defraud the government through false price reports. The lawsuit resulted in Sanofi having to pony up over $109 million in a mammoth settlement.
The settlement for this lawsuit also resolved allegations that Sanofi submitted false average sales price reports for Hyalgan, but ultimately failed to account for all the free units distributed on Hyalgan purchases. The U.S. government alleges that the false ASP reports resulted in government programs having to pay inflated amounts not only for Hyalgan, but for a competing product as well.
Unfortunately, it appears Sanofi’s legacy maybe tarnished as a result of these underhanded tactics. Many people suffering from the side effects of Sanofi’s drugs are still coming out of the woodwork; it seems that things are only going to get worse for the once-powerhouse company.
Have you suffered as a result of undergoing chemotherapy treatment with Taxotere? Your injury and pain deserve justice. Let the legal representatives of Hotze Runkle PLLC serve your needs and provide you with the commitment of a team that can get the job done.
If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects as a result of Taxotere, contact a team that fights to earn your trust — contact Hotze Runkle PLLC.
Our team of experienced and highly qualified lawyers has the ability to make the pharmaceutical company that harmed you pay for the damages they have caused. Reach us today at (877) 919-0830 to learn more about how we can put our years of experience to work fighting for you.
Unfortunately, we hear way too often of defective drugs and pharmaceutical products being placed on the market which end up causing users unexpected health issues. Some drugs have nasty side effects that overpower the actual benefits, some are tainted during production, and possibly worst of all, some have side effects that aren’t fully disclosed to the drug-buying public.
When you have suffered physical and monetary damages as a result of a defective drug, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the party (or parties) that harmed you.
At Hotze Runkle PLLC, our national litigation team has been monitoring the experiences of breast cancer survivors and chemotherapy patients who have suffered from using Taxotere. Because defective drugs and medical devices can fall under product liability claims, it is important for those seeking to file a claim to understand what evidence is needed to support their case.
How Can Pharmaceutical Lawsuits Come About?
There are three major types of lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies:
1. Design defect.
When drugs are defectively designed, they can cause a host of dangerous side effects. These problems have nothing to do with the medicine’s manufacturing process.
2. Drug manufacturing defects.
The issue with the drug occurs in the manufacturing process. For instance, a harmful chemical can taint the formulation, causing the medication to be harmful for the user.
3. Failure to warn/improper instructions on medications.
A manufacturer failed to provide adequate warning about side effects and potential risks or failed to provide proper instructions and information essential to the safe consumption of the drug.
Product liability claims work through strict liability. This means that the pharmaceutical company can be held liable without the plaintiff having to prove negligence or fault.
Can You Sue the Pharmaceutical Company Responsible?
Yes, the manufacturer responsible for the defective drug can be held liable. Unfortunately, these lawsuits can take an extensive amount of time to come to an end. From the initial recognition that the drug is defective to the discovery process during which evidence emerges and then the actual litigation process, there is plenty that goes into a product liability lawsuit.
Since a great deal of people take these medications, it’s often necessary to form class action lawsuits. These are cases in which numerous plaintiffs come together to take a drug manufacturer to court.
A handful of states have contributory negligence or something that is known as comparative fault. This simply means that if the plaintiff had any sort of contribution to his or her own injuries, that might bar recovery to some degree.
When the plaintiff is aware of the risk involved in using a drug and uses the product anyway, and becomes injured as a result, this can result in a loss of said damages. This all comes down to the plaintiff’s state of mind. It calls into question whether he/she clearly disregarded the danger of using the product.
What About Substantial Modification?
If the plaintiff modified the product and that change caused the injury, the manufacturer will likely not be held liable. Why? Because that modification was the direct cause of harm. This is what’s known as substantial modification.
However, if the manufacturer could predict that the consumer would alter the product, they might still be found liable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Depending on the state, the plaintiff only has so long to file a claim. If the statute of limitations has expired, the manufacturer cannot be held liable. This can cause difficulty in defective drug cases if the plaintiff does not notice a problem until months or years after the injury has taken place.
If you or a loved one has suffered from permanent tearing as a result of being treated by the chemotherapy drug Taxotere, contact Hotze Runkle PLLC today at (877) 919-0830. We are currently investigating claims made by for breast cancer survivors and chemotherapy patients.
The product liability lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC are leading the way when it comes to fighting for the rights of breast cancer patients and survivors who have been hurt by the chemotherapy drug, Taxotere.
Taxotere has been shown to cause patients’ tear ducts to close, leading to permanent tearing that cannot be reversed except for intrusive surgery. When not properly treated, excessive tearing – also known as epiphora – can lead to serious eye-related health issues that can cause individuals plenty of pain and suffering.
But there is hope. You do NOT have to accept the negligent actions of the pharmaceutical company that has harmed you. Our committed team of Taxotere lawsuit attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC are ready to help you take a stand against those who harmed you.
What Is Epiphora?
Epiphora, or excessive tearing, is a condition in which the sufferer deals with an overflow of tears as the result of blocked tear ducts. While tears are important to maintain eye health and vision, in excess, they can obscure your vision and cause additional damages including infection, inflammatory disorder, and lead to the need for invasive surgery.
These additional issues arise when the tears become stagnant in the tear drainage system. Stagnant tears in the tear sac greatly increase the risk of developing an infection.
Common Symptoms of Epiphora (Watery Eyes)
When chemotherapy drugs such as Taxotere completely clog the tear ducts, the excessive tears will begin to spill out over the eyelids as a result of having nowhere else to go. A complete block can result in a severe overflow.
If you are undergoing or have completed chemotherapy treatment and are dealing with watery eyes caused by blocked tear ducts, please seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain around the eyes
- Enlarged blood vessels
- Redness
- Soreness
- Eyelid swelling
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sudden loss of vision
- Symptoms continue to worsen rather than improve
How to Get Diagnosed
Your local physician or eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will examine your eyes and both upper and lower eyelids to find the cause of the epiphora. Examinations will include:
- Testing blood vessels behind your eye.
- Eye pressure
- Inspection of sinus cavities
- Evaluation of your medical history
If you have any discharge from your eye, it may be tested to find out if you have any sort of bacterial infection.
Treatment Options for Excessive Tearing
Treatment for excessive tearing depends on the severity of the case. In certain instances, epiphora can be treated with antibiotics. However, for many individuals dealing with permanent tearing as a result of chemotherapy treatment, the only option may be a surgical procedure known as
dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
Unfortunately, DCR can lead to additional health problems including migration of the Jones tube used to reopen the tear duct, scarring, or post-surgery infections.
If you have suffered permanent tearing after undergoing chemotherapy treatment, know that there is a team of attorneys dedicated to righting the wrongs done against you. Do not hesitate to contact the Taxotere lawsuit attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC at (877) 919-0830 if you or a loved one are suffering from excessive tearing as the result of being treated with a chemotherapy drug such as Taxotere.
Docetaxel is a common intravenous chemotherapy drug administered to treat various types of cancer. A warning and advisory label has been issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealing ethanol (alcohol) content in the drug has resulted in adverse health effects among patients.
This treatment comes in both generic and brand names, common ones being Taxotere, Docefrez, and the Docetaxel Injection. The Sanofi company has profited billions off of their product Taxotere, which is commonly used to treat patients with breast cancer.
Breast cancer patients who have suffered permanent hair loss (alopecia) and other negative side effects linked to docetaxel have begun to file lawsuits against Sanofi for their misinformation regarding their Taxotere products.
Don’t suffer in silence. Contact the compassionate National Taxotere attorneys today at (512) 476-7771 to receive your FREE, no-obligation legal consultation.
The Dangers of Docetaxel
Typical side effects of docetaxel can leave one feeling intoxicated during and after treatment, causing confusion, stumbling, and sleepiness. The alcohol content can also impair the central nervous system and have serious effects on those with pre-existing liver problems.
If the treatment is administered, patients should wait at least one to two hours after the transfusion to drive, operate machinery, or perform any activity that requires skill.
Health care professionals are advised to be extra cautious when prescribing docetaxel, especially when used in combination with other drugs.
Other likely side effects associated with Taxotere have been identified as the following:
- Permanent Alopecia (hair loss)
- Alcohol Intoxication
- Eye disorders
- Respiratory issues
Should adverse side effects manifest, speak with your physician about alternative options, lowering your dosage, or taking other steps to minimize associated health complications.
Talk To Your Physician About Taxotere Alternatives
Patients with breast cancer and other forms of cancer may have other options available for treatment. Physicians may recommend the following options for those continuing Taxotere or seeking alternative treatment:
- Reducing the speed of infusion to minimize symptoms of intoxication.
- Opting for a less ethanol-potent formula of the drug.
- Monitoring infusion and stopping when signs of intoxication become apparent.
- Counseling patients on the possible side effects and health complications that can arise, and offering alternative options.
If you have already begun to notice the negative side effects of Taxotere, know that Sanofi is directly liable for your damages, and you should be compensated.
Cancer Patients Most Likely To Use Docetaxel
Individuals who have a history of drinking or alcohol addiction should immediately inform their doctor. The same rings true for patients experiencing hepatic impairment as well. Docetaxel can further impair liver function and can result in heightened adverse conditions.
Individuals that are most likely to be prescribed docetaxel include patients with the following types of cancer:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Non-small cell lung cancer
Get In Touch With Trustworthy Taxotere Lawsuit Attorneys
Patients suffering from different types of cancer have relied on docetaxel infusions to keep cancer cells from replicating, but unfortunately, docetaxel medications such as Taxotere can have a negative contribution to one’s health.
Sanofi violated federal drug regulations by falsely advertising this dangerous drug as safe. Those who have been harmed by Taxotere should seek out the unmatched legal experience of the Taxotere lawsuit attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC to win their maximum monetary compensation.
For more information and a FREE case review, contact the national Taxotere attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC by dialing in at (512) 476-7771 today.
Taxotere – generically known as docetaxel – is a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and head/neck cancer. Produced by the global biopharmaceutical company, Sanofi, Taxotere interferes with the ability of cancer cells to divide.
Unfortunately, Taxotere has also been associated with several serious side effects that can cause health issues for those being treated with it. One of the major issues is that Taxotere can lead to permanent, irreversible tearing. To make matters worse, Sanofi failed to properly inform victims of this risk.
The national Taxotere lawsuit attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC are dedicated to fighting for the rights of cancer patients and survivors who are suffering from permanent tearing as a result of being treated with Taxotere.
About Taxotere
Taxotere was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1996. The drug was approved to treat individuals with breast cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer.
Taxotere affects cancer cells by disrupting the function of microtubules. These structures play a role in the replication of cancer cells. Taxotere essentially stops cancerous cells from functioning and dividing. This has made Taxotere a highly effective chemotherapy agent.
Despite its effectiveness, the chemotherapy drug has also caused patients some unexpected damages. Those suffering from Sanofi negligence alleged that the company failed to properly warn them – and their physicians – of these life-changing side effects.
It should be noted that docetaxel is the generic name of Taxotere. There are various products/forms which contain docetaxel including the “brand-name” chemotherapy drugs Docefrez and Docetaxel Injection.
How Taxotere is Given
As a chemotherapy drug, Taxotere is provided to patients intravenously through an IV. There is currently no pill form for the drug and may require a specific preparation regimen which your doctor will determine.
Your physician will determine your dosage and schedule. These aspects of your treatment plan can be affected by a number of factors such as your general health, height, weight, and the type of cancer being treated.
Taxotere Side Effects
There are several side effects that need to be closely monitored. Some of the more frequently noted side effects are expected of chemotherapy drug treatment, including:
- Fluid retention
- Numbness in fingers and toes
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nail color changes
- Infection
- Hair loss
- Vomiting
- Muscle, bone, and/or joint pain
- Allergic reactions
- Vision problems
- Low blood cell counts
One of the major side effects that has been reported is epiphora – or an overflow of tears (tearing). This occurs as a result of patients’ tear ducts becoming blocked.
Chemotherapy drugs can cause tear ducts to become permanently clogged which then leads to the excess tears spilling out. A complete block can result in irreversible tearing that can have profound negative effects on an individual’s quality of life.
Excessive tearing can ultimately result in infections, eye damage, or vision impairment.
If you are undergoing chemotherapy or have undergone treatment and are dealing with permanent tearing, please seek medical attention.