Tasigna Arteriosclerosis

Tasigna Arteriosclerosis
Tasigna has been linked to arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries that can lead to amputations, heart disease and other life-threatening complications.

Attorneys Investigating Legal Claims Involving Tasigna and Arteriosclerosis

The nationwide law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP is investigating legal claims involving Tasigna and arteriosclerosis. Please contact our office at (888) 994-5118 for a free case review if you or a loved one were diagnosed with arteriosclerosis that may be related to Tasigna.

What is Tasigna Arteriosclerosis?

Tasigna is a cancer drug indicated to treat patients suffering from Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

At least a dozen studies published in prominent medical journals have suggested a link between Tasigna and arteriosclerosis. In April 2013, the Canadian prescribing information for Tasigna was updated to note a potential risk of arteriosclerosis. An alert issued by Health Canada noted a review of the Novartis global safety database had identified of 277 cases of atherosclerosis reported between January 1, 2005 and January 31, 2017.

While information about arteriosclerosis was added to the Tasigna’s U.S. label, a public notification was never issued to doctors and patients in this country.

What is Arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is a disease in which the walls of the arteries become thickened and hardened by plaque buildup. As plaque builds up, the arteries narrow and become less flexible and the blood flow through the arteries can be reduced. Possible complications of atherosclerosis include:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Angina
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Amputations
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Death

In its 2013 public alert, Health Canada advised patients being considered for Tasigna treatment to inform their healthcare provider if they suffer from any health problems that could contribute to arteriosclerosis, including:

  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood glucose levels

Doctors were advised to monitor Tasigna patients for signs of arteriosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis Treatment

Treatment for arteriosclerosis may include lifestyle changes, the use of medications to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and/or blood glucose, as well as drugs to prevent blood clots and inflammation.

Medical treatments for arteriosclerosis include:

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI or coronary angioplasty): This procedure involves the insertion of an angiographic catheter to clear a blocked artery. It may also include implantation of a stent to ensure that the artery remains open.
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure that utilizes a section of blood vessel from elsewhere in the body to bypass the blocked artery.
  • Carotid endarterectomy: A type of surgery to remove plaque buildup from the carotid arteries in the neck.

Learn More About Your Legal Rights

if you or a loved one were diagnosed with Tasigna-related arteriosclerosis, please contact Bernstein Liebhard LLP today to learn more about your legal rights. Free case reviews can be obtained by calling: (888) 994-5118.

  1. Health Canada (2013) “TASIGNA (nilotinib) – Possible Risk of Developing Atherosclerosis-Related Conditions – For the Public” http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2013/26659a-eng.php
  2. Heart Org (2017) “Atherosclerosis” http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Atherosclerosis_UCM_305564_Article.jsp#.WXoKXYjytPY
  3. National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute (2016) “How Is Atherosclerosis Treated?” https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis/treatment
Last Modified: August 2, 2017

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