Active Litigation
Taxotere Lawsuit Facts
TorHoerman Law is actively accepting claims for the Taxotere Lawsuit.
Taxotere (docetaxel) has been widely used to treat metastatic breast cancer, other forms of breast cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and cancers of the head and neck.
Patients have reported skin reactions, stomach pain, allergic reactions, chest pain, high blood pressure, joint pain, difficulty breathing, and other side effects, but the eye side effects are of especially great concern.
In response to the onset of eye problems from the popular chemo drug, Taxotere Vision Damage Lawsuits are being filed against Sanofi Aventis.
Taxotere Lawsuits for eye injuries and vision problems are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The Taxotere Litigation aims to compensate patients who received Taxotere and develop vision problems due to Sanofi Aventis’ potential failure to adequately warn patients of said side effects.
Taxotere Eye Injuries
Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug that has been used to treat metastatic and early breast cancer for years.
Scientific research and medical reports have found that Taxotere can cause serious side effects related to vision and the tear ducts.
These eye injuries and medical conditions may include:
- Canalicular stenosis or punctal stenosis
- Lacrimal duct obstruction
- Optic neuropathy
- Taxotere-Induced Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)
- Blindness Due to Corneal Damage
Canalicular Stenosis
Canalicular stenosis is a narrowing of the tear ducts that can lead to excessive tearing, vision loss, and even blindness.
Several studies suggest the link between Taxotere and eye problems.
In 2010, a study by Science Direct examined the side effects Taxotere had on breast cancer survivors.
In most cases, patients receiving weekly docetaxel are most susceptible to canalicular stenosis.
Lacrimal Duct Obstruction
The study found that the participants in the study developed a condition called dacryostenosis.
Dacryostenosis is another term for lacrimal duct obstruction, which means that the tear ducts are blocked.
The study explains why patients receiving weekly docetaxel therapy experience epiphora (excessive tearing) caused by blocked tear ducts.
When enough tears accumulate, severe fluid retention happens in the eyes, leading to blurred vision and other vision problems.
Optic and Peripheral Neuropathy
A 2014 study observed that Taxotere toxicity can inhibit optic nerve function.
Any decreases in optic nerve function will affect vision and might even lead to permanent blindness.
Peripheral neuropathy is another potential side effect of Taxotere toxicity.
It affects the nerves in the hands, feet, and arms, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain.
Taxotere-Induced Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)
Cystoid macular edema is a condition that often follows canalicular stenosis.
CME from docetaxel happens when there’s poor tear drainage. The lack of drainage can cause fluid retention in several parts of the eyes, particularly the retina.
When CME occurs, fluid retention affects the sharpness of the retina.
As a result, patients treated with docetaxel experience blurring of vision and sometimes even blindness.
Blindness Due to Corneal Damage
Taxotere’s effects on the lacrimal system can eventually cause damage to the cornea or the part of the eye responsible for letting light enter.
When the cornea sustains damage, patients will experience eye pain, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light.
Surgical Treatments for Treating Taxotere Side Effects
Besides ceasing Taxotere immediately, physicians address side effects through surgical treatment.
There are several types of surgical interventions for treating the side effects of Taxotere. Here are some of the most common.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny silicone devices that are placed into the tear ducts to keep them open, ensuring proper drainage of tears from the eyes.
These plugs serve to maintain tear flow and prevent excessive tearing, promoting better eye health and comfort.
Canaliculoplasty
Canaliculoplasty improves tear drainage by carefully opening up the narrow or obstructed canaliculus.
This is the part of the tear duct responsible for transporting tears from the eyes to the nasal cavity.
By widening the canaliculus, the surgeon ensures that tears can flow freely, reducing the risk of excessive tearing and alleviating discomfort caused by blocked tear ducts.
Many patients who undergo this surgical procedure report relief in their eye pain and sore throat with improved tear drainage.
Temporary Tarsorrhaphy
Temporary tarsorrhaphy is a simple surgical technique where the eyelids are partially closed using stitches.
This quick and convenient procedure can be performed right in the doctor’s office.
By suturing the eyelids, the opening between them is narrowed, providing temporary relief and protection to the eyes.
Permanent Tarsorrhaphy
Unlike temporary tarsorrhaphy, this procedure is more invasive but offers a more lasting effect.
By creating a flap of skin to partially close the eyelids, the opening between them is reduced more permanently.
This surgical approach is often considered when long-term or permanent eyelid closure is necessary.
