Representing Victims of Tasigna Nationwide

Tasigna (nilotinib) is prescribed to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow, however studies have linked it to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, caused by a buildup of fats and cholesterol, commonly referred to as “plaques”, on the artery walls. This causes the arteries to become thickened and hardened and to restrict blood flow. This condition is known as arthrosclerosis.

If you or a loved one have suffered arthrosclerosis, or some of the while taking Tasigna, please contact the Oliver Bell Group immediately and speak with one of our Tasigna attorneys for a consultation.

Atherosclerosis a leading causes of heart attacks and strokes. In 2013, Health Canada and drug manufacturer Novartis released a public safety alert warning that Tasigna had been linked to cases of atherosclerosis-related conditions during clinical trials and post-marketing patient experience after the drug was released on the market. But Novartis has never warned about this potential side effect in the U.S. in their product or marketing materials!

What’s Wrong with Tasigna?

Tasigna, like any prescription drug, has some side effects. Many of these are listed in the literature accompanying the product, and include things like nausea and diarrhea, headache, fatigue, constipation, vomiting, night sweats, joint pain, and fever.  But one very serious potential side effect is not included anywhere in the prescribing information: atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries that causes them to become narrowed and stiff. It results from the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in the artery walls. Over time, these components form a hard plaque on the inner lining of the arteries, which makes them less flexible.  It is then harder for the heart to pump blood through them, which can result in high blood pressure and heart disease.  If the arteries become too narrowed, or if part of the plaque breaks off, this may cause a blood clot to develop, which in turn can cause a heart attack or stroke. Any arteries in the body may be affected, including those around the heart, in the legs, and leading to the brain.

A number of studies have reported that patients taking Tasigna may be at a higher risk of atherosclerosis.

Health Canada Warns of Tasigna Dangers

On April 12, 2013, Health Canada warned doctors and patients that Tasigna could increase the risk of atherosclerosis-related conditions. They noted that side effects related to atherosclerosis had been reported during clinical trials, and in patients prescribed the drug once it was on the market. They added that a review of the Novartis global safety database between January 1, 2005, and January 1, 2013, identified a total of 277 cases of atherosclerosis, 14 of which were Canadian cases.

Novartis worked with Health Canada to include new safety information regarding atherosclerosis-related conditions in the Canadian Product Monograph—the document that physicians use when prescribing a drug in Canada—and in the Consumer Information Leaflet.

No such warning has been released in the U.S. as of February 2018.

Types of Injuries Associated with Tasigna

Individuals taking Tasigna may be at risk for the following serious side effects:

If you or a loved one took Tasigna and then experienced serious side effects such as atherosclerosis and those listed above, you may be eligible to file a Tasigna lawsuit to recover damages. Call or contact the Oliver Bell Group today for a free consultation.