What Users of Taxotere Should Know About Epiphora (Tearing)

The product liability lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC are leading the way when it comes to fighting for the rights of breast cancer patients and survivors who have been hurt by the chemotherapy drug, Taxotere.

Taxotere has been shown to cause patients’ tear ducts to close, leading to permanent tearing that cannot be reversed except for intrusive surgery. When not properly treated, excessive tearing – also known as epiphora – can lead to serious eye-related health issues that can cause individuals plenty of pain and suffering.

But there is hope. You do NOT have to accept the negligent actions of the pharmaceutical company that has harmed you. Our committed team of Taxotere lawsuit attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC are ready to help you take a stand against those who harmed you.

What Is Epiphora? 

Epiphora, or excessive tearing, is a condition in which the sufferer deals with an overflow of tears as the result of blocked tear ducts. While tears are important to maintain eye health and vision, in excess, they can obscure your vision and cause additional damages including infection, inflammatory disorder, and lead to the need for invasive surgery.

These additional issues arise when the tears become stagnant in the tear drainage system. Stagnant tears in the tear sac greatly increase the risk of developing an infection.

Common Symptoms of Epiphora (Watery Eyes)

When chemotherapy drugs such as Taxotere completely clog the tear ducts, the excessive tears will begin to spill out over the eyelids as a result of having nowhere else to go. A complete block can result in a severe overflow.

If you are undergoing or have completed chemotherapy treatment and are dealing with watery eyes caused by blocked tear ducts, please seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:

  • Sharp pain around the eyes
  • Enlarged blood vessels
  • Redness 
  • Soreness
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sudden loss of vision
  • Symptoms continue to worsen rather than improve

How to Get Diagnosed

Your local physician or eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will examine your eyes and both upper and lower eyelids to find the cause of the epiphora. Examinations will include:

  • Testing blood vessels behind your eye.
  • Eye pressure
  • Inspection of sinus cavities
  • Evaluation of your medical history

If you have any discharge from your eye, it may be tested to find out if you have any sort of bacterial infection. 

Treatment Options for Excessive Tearing

Treatment for excessive tearing depends on the severity of the case. In certain instances, epiphora can be treated with antibiotics. However, for many individuals dealing with permanent tearing as a result of chemotherapy treatment, the only option may be a surgical procedure known as 

dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

Unfortunately, DCR can lead to additional health problems including migration of the Jones tube used to reopen the tear duct, scarring, or post-surgery infections.

If you have suffered permanent tearing after undergoing chemotherapy treatment, know that there is a team of attorneys dedicated to righting the wrongs done against you. Do not hesitate to contact the Taxotere lawsuit attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC at (877) 919-0830 if you or a loved one are suffering from excessive tearing as the result of being treated with a chemotherapy drug such as Taxotere.


The FDA Issues Warning on Docetaxel Drugs Including Taxotere

Docetaxel is a common intravenous chemotherapy drug administered to treat various types of cancer. A warning and advisory label has been issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealing ethanol (alcohol) content in the drug has resulted in adverse health effects among patients.

This treatment comes in both generic and brand names, common ones being Taxotere, Docefrez, and the Docetaxel Injection. The Sanofi company has profited billions off of their product Taxotere, which is commonly used to treat patients with breast cancer.

Breast cancer patients who have suffered permanent hair loss (alopecia) and other negative side effects linked to docetaxel have begun to file lawsuits against Sanofi for their misinformation regarding their Taxotere products. 

Don’t suffer in silence. Contact the compassionate National Taxotere attorneys today at (512) 476-7771 to receive your FREE, no-obligation legal consultation.

The Dangers of Docetaxel

Typical side effects of docetaxel can leave one feeling intoxicated during and after treatment, causing confusion, stumbling, and sleepiness. The alcohol content can also impair the central nervous system and have serious effects on those with pre-existing liver problems. 

If the treatment is administered, patients should wait at least one to two hours after the transfusion to drive, operate machinery, or perform any activity that requires skill. 

Health care professionals are advised to be extra cautious when prescribing docetaxel, especially when used in combination with other drugs. 

Other likely side effects associated with Taxotere have been identified as the following:

  • Permanent Alopecia (hair loss)
  • Alcohol Intoxication
  • Eye disorders
  • Respiratory issues

Should adverse side effects manifest, speak with your physician about alternative options, lowering your dosage, or taking other steps to minimize associated health complications. 

Talk To Your Physician About Taxotere Alternatives

Patients with breast cancer and other forms of cancer may have other options available for treatment. Physicians may recommend the following options for those continuing Taxotere or seeking alternative treatment:

  1. Reducing the speed of infusion to minimize symptoms of intoxication.
  2. Opting for a less ethanol-potent formula of the drug.
  3. Monitoring infusion and stopping when signs of intoxication become apparent.
  4. Counseling patients on the possible side effects and health complications that can arise, and offering alternative options.

If you have already begun to notice the negative side effects of Taxotere, know that Sanofi is directly liable for your damages, and you should be compensated.

Cancer Patients Most Likely To Use Docetaxel

Individuals who have a history of drinking or alcohol addiction should immediately inform their doctor. The same rings true for patients experiencing hepatic impairment as well. Docetaxel can further impair liver function and can result in heightened adverse conditions. 

Individuals that are most likely to be prescribed docetaxel include patients with the following types of cancer:

  • Breast cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Non-small cell lung cancer

Get In Touch With Trustworthy Taxotere Lawsuit Attorneys

Patients suffering from different types of cancer have relied on docetaxel infusions to keep cancer cells from replicating, but unfortunately, docetaxel medications such as Taxotere can have a negative contribution to one’s health. 

Sanofi violated federal drug regulations by falsely advertising this dangerous drug as safe. Those who have been harmed by Taxotere should seek out the unmatched legal experience of the Taxotere lawsuit attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC to win their maximum monetary compensation. 

For more information and a FREE case review, contact the national Taxotere attorneys of Hotze Runkle PLLC by dialing in at (512) 476-7771 today.