Taxotere Docetaxel is a popular chemotherapy drug manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and approved by the FDA in 1996. Docetaxel interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells and is one of the most popularly used drugs to treat breast cancer but has also been used to treat lung, prostate, stomach and head/neck cancers. This medication is always administered intravenously. Although hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, Taxotere hair loss can be permanent, a condition called Alopecia or Permanent Significant Alopecia (PSA). In December 2015, the FDA updated its Safety Information for Taxotere to include permanent hair loss. However, it is believed that Sanofi-Aventis knew of the risk of permanent hair loss and warned patients outside of the United States years earlier.
If you have been treated with Taxotere and your hair has not grown back, you may have Alopecia. It is important to discuss this with your doctor to determine if your hair loss is the result of Alopecia. Although some may consider hair loss a small price to pay when you are battling cancer, permanent hair loss is a constant reminder for a cancer survivor. Additionally, the permanent hair loss caused by Docetaxel is avoidable. If patients had been warned of this potential side effect, they could have chosen a comparable drug that does not have the risk of Alopecia.
Contact our firm for assistance if you are suffering from permanent hair loss after undergoing chemotherapy including treatment with Taxotere Docetaxel. We can investigate your situation and answer any legal questions you have.
