Are you suffering from permanent alopecia after being treated with the chemotherapy drug Taxotere or generic docetaxel? If so, you may be entitled to compensation from the company that manufactured the drug used in your treatment.
At Scott Vicknair, LLC, our skilled New Orleans trial attorneys aggressively represent clients harmed by unsafe medications. We’re a trusted name in dangerous drug litigation, having helped numerous clients obtain the justice and financial compensation they deserve.
Our legal team is reviewing cases for people experiencing permanent hair loss linked to Taxotere. If a docetaxel drug was part of your chemotherapy regimen, your case may qualify. Here’s what you need to know.
About Taxotere (Docetaxel)
Docetaxel is a taxane chemotherapy drug used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, head and neck, prostate, stomach, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Taxotere, the most well-known and most commonly prescribed brand of docetaxel, in 1996.
The drug quickly soared in popularity due, in part, to a less frequent treatment schedule compared to the similar chemotherapy medication Taxol (or generic paclitaxel). Whereas Taxol requires weekly injections or infusions, Taxotere patients receive one treatment every three weeks. Sales of the drug reached their highest point in 2010, bringing in more than $3.1 billion for manufacturer Sanofi-Aventi.
Taxotere is the most commonly prescribed taxane for breast cancer, with medical experts estimating that up to 75 percent of breast cancer patients receive the drug at some point in their treatment.
Taxotere Permanent Hair Loss Risks
Hair loss is an expected, although distressing, part of many chemotherapy treatments. However, in most cases, once patients are done with chemo, their hair slowly, but surely, returns. Sadly, that has not been the case for some Taxotere and docetaxel patients, many of whom continue to struggle with alopecia for months or even years after treatment.
Severely thinning hair and permanent baldness are particularly devastating for women, who make up the majority of those diagnosed with breast cancer. Known as chemotherapy-induced permanent alopecia (CIPAL), the condition not only affects hair on the head but can also result in the loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic, and other types of body hair. Studies show this can significantly reduce patients’ quality of life, negatively affecting body image and mental health, and serving as a constant and jarring reminder of the deadly illness they fought so hard to beat.
Taxotere Permanent Alopecia Lawsuits
Drug manufacturers are legally bound to ensure the safety of their products and warn doctors and patients of possible side effects or risk liability for damages. In more than 12,000 lawsuits, plaintiffs claim that despite multiple studies showing links between Taxotere (docetaxel) and CIPAL (including one funded by Sanofi), manufacturers failed to disclose these risks to patients or medical professionals, downplaying all reports of hair loss as temporary. However, that changed in 2015, when Sanofi updated the Taxotere insert to include permanent alopecia as a potential side effect.
Additionally, many plaintiffs treated with Taxotere before the insert update claim that if they’d been warned that docetaxel carried a risk of permanent hair loss, they would have opted for Taxol, which has similar efficacy but isn’t associated with incurable alopecia.
If you received Taxotere or docetaxel chemotherapy infusions or injections prior to 2015 and are still wrestling with hair loss, we may be able to help you collect compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- And other losses
Contact Us Today
If your Taxotere or docetaxel treatment resulted in permanent alopecia, our tenacious Louisiana trial lawyers can help you hold the at-fault party (or parties) responsible, regardless of whether you live in the Pelican State or elsewhere in the U.S. Contact us today and we’ll reach out to discuss your case as soon as possible.
New Orleans Taxotere Alopecia Hair Loss Lawyers FAQs
Let’s explore FAQs our New Orleans Taxotere alopecia hair loss lawyers at Scott Vicknair, LLC, often receive:
What is Taxotere?
Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug that is commonly used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. This class of drugs works by interfering with cancer cells.
What is alopecia?
As a medical term, alopecia describes the loss of hair from a person’s scalp and the rest of their body. It can be caused by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.
Why are there lawsuits involving Taxotere and hair loss?
Some patients who have undergone chemotherapy treatment with Taxotere have experienced a side effect known as permanent hair loss or alopecia. Why temporary hair loss is common with chemotherapy when dealing with permanent hair loss, victims can contact our New Orleans Taxotere alopecia hair loss lawyers at Scott Vicknair, LLC. Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer of Taxotere, alleging that they failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risk of permanent hair loss.
What is the basis for these lawsuits?
The lawsuits claim that the manufacturer of Taxotere, Sanofi-Aventis, knew or should have known about the risk of permanent hair loss associated with the drug but failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers. Plaintiffs argue had they known about the potential drawbacks or side effects, they would have pursued chemotherapy instead.
What damages can be sought in these lawsuits?
How much and what types of damages pursued in these types of lawsuits can depend. However, potential damages can include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.
Are there any class-action lawsuits related to Taxotere and hair loss?
Regarding Taxotere, there have been class-action lawsuits. In a class-action lawsuit, a group of individuals who have similar claims against a defendant are represented collectively. However, individual lawsuits are more common in Taxotere cases due to the unique circumstances and varying degrees of harm experienced by each patient.
How do I know if I have a case for a Taxotere hair loss lawsuit?
If you have undergone chemotherapy treatment with Taxotere and experienced permanent hair loss or alopecia, you may have a case for a lawsuit. Our New Orleans Taxotere alopecia hair loss lawyers specialize in this particular type of case, and we can better advise you.
What should I do if I believe I have a case?
When you or a loved one believes they have an alopecia hair loss case, their first goal should be to contact a qualified attorney. They will review your medical records, discuss your treatment history, and evaluate the potential merits of your case. It is important to gather all relevant medical documentation and keep a record of your experiences and any related expenses.
Is there a time limit for filing a lawsuit?
Yes, there are legal limits—also called statutes of limitations—when filing for a lawsuit. These time limits vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines for filing your claim.
How long does it take to resolve a Taxotere hair loss lawsuit?
The duration of a Taxotere hair loss lawsuit can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of plaintiffs involved, and the court’s schedule. Some lawsuits may be resolved through settlement negotiations, while others may go to trial, which can further extend the timeline. An attorney can help ensure you have realistic expectations and advise you through a lawsuit that’s likely to take months or longer.
How can a lawyer help with my Taxotere hair loss lawsuit?
By working with an attorney that specializes in Taxotere alopecia hair loss, you can be in a better position to receive the necessary compensation. They will assess the strength of your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the defendant’s legal team, and advocate for your rights in court if necessary. Having legal representation can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
What can constitute evidence when building my case?
A: Several types of evidence can help build your case. This evidence may include medical records documenting your chemotherapy treatment, specifically noting the use of Taxotere and the resulting hair loss. Testimony from medical professionals who treated you and can attest to the connection between Taxotere and permanent hair loss is also important.
Additionally, any correspondence or documentation indicating the manufacturer’s knowledge of the potential side effect can strengthen your case. Photographs or videos showing the extent of your hair loss can provide visual evidence. Expert opinions from medical specialists can further bolster your argument. A qualified legal team can help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
Why is it often not advisable to accept the first settlement?
A: It is often not advisable to accept the first settlement offered in a Taxotere hair loss lawsuit for several reasons. Firstly, the initial settlement may not accurately reflect the full extent of the damages you have suffered, including the emotional distress and impact on your quality of life.
Accepting an inadequate settlement could result in being undercompensated for your losses. Secondly, the first settlement offer is typically made by the defendant’s legal team, who may aim to minimize their financial liability. By consulting with an experienced Taxotere hair loss lawyer, you can evaluate the fairness of the settlement offer and negotiate for a more appropriate amount that truly reflects the harm you have experienced.
Work with qualified New Orleans Taxotere alopecia hair loss lawyers by reaching out to our Scott Vicknair, LLC, team today!