Taxotere Lawsuit | Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit Update

Written By:
Picture of Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Attorney Jessie Paluch, founder of TruLaw, has over 25 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLawsuit Info and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLawsuit Info does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact our team by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Key Takeaways:

  • Taxotere, a chemotherapy drug (used primarily for breast cancer treatment), has sparked numerous lawsuits due to severe side effects including permanent hair loss and eye injuries.
  • The drug's manufacturer, Sanofi-Aventis, is accused of negligence for not adequately warning patients about these potential risks (while they continued to produce and distribute the drug).
  • Despite over 10,000 legal claims filed against them, Sanofi-Aventis has yet to offer settlements to the victims of Taxotere.

Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit Overview

On this page we’ll discuss an overview of the Taxotere Lawsuit and what led to it, provide updates surrounding the Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit, review who qualifies for filing a Taxotere eye injury claim, and much more.

Intro to the Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit

Have you received Taxotere as part of your chemotherapy for breast cancer?

Have you experienced problems with your eyes?

If you have experienced eye problems and suspect that Taxotere is the culprit, you need to know that you’re not alone.

Thousands of women receiving Taxotere have reported the same issues — alongside others like permanent hair loss, nausea, and breathing difficulties, to name a few.

As a result, the women receiving the hazardous chemotherapy drug are suing the drug’s manufacturers.

We believe that no innocent person’s life should be at risk due to defective chemotherapy drugs.

That is why we encourage victims like yourself to come forward and take legal action.

If you received Taxotere around 2006 and have suffered from eye injuries because of this breast cancer chemotherapy drug, know that you may have a case.

Join many others in filing Taxotere lawsuits against the negligent manufacturers of this potentially hazardous drug.

In the meantime, learn more about the Taxotere lawsuit, the most recent Taxotere lawsuit update, and other vital information about the drug.

Also, read to the end to find out how you can take legal action and join the Taxotere multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Table of Contents

Lawsuit Updates

  • October 1, 2024 Update:

    The Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit centers on claims against Sanofi, with plaintiffs asserting that the chemotherapy drug Taxotere leads to serious eye injuries, including excessive tearing and vision problems.

    In September, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) recorded 320 active Taxotere lawsuits.

    By October, that number had dropped to 312, showing a decrease of 8 cases.

    Even with this reduction, the significant number of active lawsuits continues to highlight concerns about the drug’s side effects and the alleged lack of proper warnings.

    If you or a loved one experienced eye injuries or suffered vision loss after Taxotere use, you may be eligible to file a Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit and pursue financial compensation. 

    Contact TruLawsuit Info for a free consultation. 

    You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit instantly.

  • September 1, 2024 Update:

    The Taxotere Lawsuit, involving claims that the chemotherapy drug Taxotere has caused permanent vision loss and eye damage in patients, has seen a steady increase in filings.

    As of August 2024, there were 308 active cases in the Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit, which rose to 320 by September, indicating a notable rise in new cases.

    Plaintiffs argue that Sanofi, the company behind Taxotere, did not sufficiently warn patients about the potential for vision loss, leading to a significant decline in their quality of life.

    If you or a loved one experienced eye injuries or suffered vision loss after Taxotere use, you may be eligible to file a Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit and pursue financial compensation. 

    Contact TruLawsuit Info for a free consultation. 

    You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit instantly.

  • August 1, 2024 Update:

    The Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit is ongoing.

    The lawsuit involves claims against Sanofi regarding the chemotherapy drug Taxotere.

    Plaintiffs allege that Taxotere causes severe eye injuries, including excessive tearing and vision problems.

    In July, there were 301 filings in the Taxotere Eye Injury lawsuit.

    By August, this number increased to 308 filings.

    The rise in filings indicates growing awareness and concern about the potential eye-related side effects of Taxotere, leading more individuals to seek legal action.

    Taxotere, used in chemotherapy treatment, has been reported to cause eye injuries such as excessive tearing and vision impairment.

    These side effects can significantly impact patients’ quality of life, prompting many affected individuals to file lawsuits against Sanofi for failing to provide adequate warnings about these risks.

    If you or a loved one experienced eye injuries or suffered vision loss after Taxotere use, you may be eligible to file a Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit and pursue financial compensation. 

    Contact TruLawsuit Info for a free consultation. 

    You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit instantly.

  • July 17, 2024 Update:

    July 17, 2024

    The Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit is ongoing, and our lawyers are still accepting cases from those affected by eye injuries linked to the chemotherapy drug Taxotere. 

    Taxotere lawsuits primarily involve claims of excessive tearing, canalicular stenosis, tear duct damage, and other severe eye conditions resulting from the use of the drug.

    The core arguments in the Taxotere Eye Injury lawsuits revolve around:

    • Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers did not provide adequate warnings about the risk of eye injuries associated with Taxotere.
    • Negligent Design: Allegations include that the formulation of Taxotere contributes to an increased risk of eye injuries, including excessive tearing and canalicular stenosis.
    • Lack of Adequate Instructions: Lawsuits claim that the manufacturers failed to provide proper instructions on how to mitigate the risk of eye injuries while using Taxotere.

    Healthcare professionals recommend the following precautions for those using Taxotere:

    • Monitor Eye Health: Schedule regular eye exams to detect and address any early signs of eye conditions.
    • Report Symptoms Promptly: Immediately inform your healthcare provider if you experience excessive tearing, dry eyes, or other eye-related symptoms.
    • Discuss with Your Doctor: Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential eye risks and ways to mitigate them while undergoing treatment with Taxotere.

    If you or a loved one experienced eye injuries or suffered vision loss after Taxotere use, you may be eligible to file a Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit and pursue financial compensation. 

    Contact TruLawsuit Info for a free consultation. 

    You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit instantly.

    July 1, 2024

    The Taxotere Eye Injury lawsuit is ongoing. 

    The Taxotere Eye Injury lawsuit claims that the chemotherapy drug Taxotere causes significant eye injuries, including excessive tearing and permanent damage.

    This lawsuit seeks to hold the manufacturer accountable for these serious side effects.

    In June, there were 273 Taxotere Eye Injury lawsuit filings.

    By July, this number increased to 301, indicating growing awareness of Taxotere’s risks.

    Taxotere damages the tear ducts, leading to chronic tearing, infections, and potential vision loss.

    These severe health issues have led more individuals to join the Taxotere Eye Injury lawsuit.

    The Taxotere Eye Injury lawsuit aims to hold the manufacturer responsible for the harm caused by the drug.

    Affected individuals should consult a Taxotere Eye Injury lawyer to understand their legal options.

    If you or a loved one has faced negative side effects due to Taxotere, call today for a free consultation. 

    You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant Taxotere Eye Injury case evaluation.

  • June 3, 2024 Update:

    The Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit remains underway, and our legal team is actively seeking new clients. 

    The latest information from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) shows that there are currently 276 pending lawsuits related to Taxotere Eye Injuries set for consolidation.

    These lawsuits stem from alleged eye injuries caused by the chemotherapy medication Taxotere.

    The claims highlight that Sanofi-Aventis, the manufacturer, inadequately warned both patients and healthcare providers about the risks of serious and possibly permanent eye issues, such as canalicular stenosis, from using the drug.

    If you or someone you know has suffered eye injuries or vision loss due to Taxotere, you may be eligible to join the Taxotere Eye Damage Lawsuits.

    For a free consultation, contact us today.

    You can also immediately determine your eligibility for the Taxotere Vision Damage Lawsuit by using the chatbot on this page.

  • May 24, 2024 Update:

    May 24, 2024

    The Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit is ongoing, and our legal team is actively seeking new claims. 

    Taxotere is associated with canalicular stenosis, a severe condition marked by excessive tearing that can lead to additional vision issues.

    This problem develops when inflammation and narrowing of the tear ducts occur as side effects of the drug, resulting in an abnormal accumulation of tears.

    The constant overflow of tears can significantly disrupt daily activities since the tears do not drain correctly but instead run down the face.

    This continuous wetness can cause irritation, infections, and potentially worsen vision problems by causing blurriness and possible damage to the cornea.

    Sanofi-Aventis, the manufacturer of Taxotere, faces allegations of failing to adequately inform both patients and healthcare providers about the potential severe eye injuries from its use.

    The potential compensation in the Taxotere Lawsuit can range widely, from $20,000 to several hundred thousand dollars per claimant, depending on individual situations and the progress of the litigation.

    If you or someone close to you has suffered eye injuries or vision loss after using Taxotere, you may be eligible to join the Taxotere Eye Damage Lawsuits.

    You can also use the chatbot on this page to quickly determine if you qualify for the Taxotere Vision Damage Lawsuit.

    May 1, 2024

    The Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit continues to be active. Recent filings by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) show that the total number of pending Taxotere lawsuits is steady at 268, unchanged from the previous month.

    If you or someone you know has sustained eye injuries after using Taxotere, you might be eligible to initiate a lawsuit.

    Please reach out to our law firm for a free, no-obligation consultation.

    Additionally, the chatbot on this page can help you determine if you qualify for the Taxotere Lawsuit.

  • April 1, 2024 Update:

    The Taxotere Eye Injury legal battle continues to unfold. 

    The latest filings with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) indicate that the total number of Taxotere Lawsuits consolidated under the MDL remains unchanged at 268.

    In the month of March, no additional Taxotere Eye Injury claims were incorporated into the MDL.

    Should you or someone close to you have experienced negative effects from Taxotere, consulting with a legal professional could be a crucial step.

    We offer a complimentary consultation to provide detailed information and help you assess your legal options.

    You may also use the chatbot on this site to quickly determine if you are eligible to participate in a Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit.

  • March 1, 2024 Update:

    The Taxotere Lawsuit is ongoing.

    The Taxotere Eye Injury MDL has increased to 268 total filings as per the latest JPML update.

    Last month, the JPML reported 258 Taxotere Eye Injury Filings.

    Plaintiffs claim Sanofi-Aventis didn’t adequately warn about the risk of severe eye complications, like Canalicular Stenosis, as a result of using Taxotere.

    Those affected are encouraged to seek legal advice to explore their rights. 

    Contact us now for a free consultation or for immediate feedback, a ChatBot is available on this page for assistance. 

Background on the Taxotere Lawsuits

Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug that has been around since the late 1980s.

Formulated and patented by Sanofi-Aventis, the drug was intended for breast cancer patients.

While the lawsuit we’re talking about involves the drug’s effects on the eyes, we need to talk about where it all began.

The lawsuits began after reports of permanent baldness from using Taxotere.

First, we’ll discuss the background of the Taxotere hair loss lawsuits.

The Taxotere Hair Loss Lawsuits

Taxotere’s efficacy in hindering the growth of cancer cells was consistent across various trials.

As a result, it didn’t take long for it to receive first-line use approval from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

The drug finally received FDA approval for breast cancer treatment in 2004.

Less than a decade after its FDA approval, the chemotherapy drug Taxotere was the main drug of choice for more than one million breast cancer patients.

However, the popularity of Taxotere didn’t last long as patients began to suffer permanent hair loss.

As more patients receiving Taxotere developed permanent alopecia, the FDA took notice and warned Sanofi-Aventis and required the company to update its Taxotere warning label.

In 2015, Sanofi-Aventis updated the warning label to warn doctors and patients about the risk of permanent hair loss from using Taxotere.

However, by this time, the damage had already been done.

Thousands of women had already suffered from permanent hair loss.

The plaintiffs allege that Sanofi-Aventis was negligent in failing to warn patients of the drug’s risks sooner.

As a result, the first batch of lawsuits came as early as March 2016.

As more women filed their Taxotere hair loss lawsuits, there needed to be a way to efficiently process the cases.

In that same year, the Eastern District of Louisiana approved a petition for multidistrict litigation against Sanofi-Aventis.

Since the MDL’s approval, many patients who have experienced permanent hair loss have joined the Taxotere litigation.

It’s important to note that at the same time, many victims have joined the Taxotere class action lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis.

The financially solvent multi-billion dollar company has been facing products liability litigation on two fronts.

The Taxotere Vision Damage Lawsuits

Permanent hair loss wasn’t the only complication resulting from the use of Taxotere.

During the same time as the Taxotere hair loss MDL, there were people filing Taxotere lawsuits for the drug’s effects on vision.

Taxotere caused various eye injuries in many of the plaintiffs who received the drug.

These problems ranged from lacrimal duct obstruction or tear duct blockage to more serious issues like docetaxel-induced cystoid macular edema.

These complications are the result of Taxotere chemotherapy — and Sanifi-Aventis knew this.

However, the company continued to manufacture and distribute this potentially hazardous chemo drug.

While Sanofi-Aventis didn’t deny knowing about the visual effects of Taxotere, plaintiffs allege that the company wasn’t fully transparent in informing the public of the risks.

More specifically, Sanofi-Aventis neglected to warn the public that Taxotere’s visual effects quickly progress and can be permanent.

This led to a separate Taxotere MDL being filed.

In 2022, the same court that approved the Taxotere MDL for those who suffered hair loss approved a second MDL for Taxotere-induced vision problems.

Updates on the Taxotere Lawsuit

After the second bellwether trial in 2021, the Eastern District of Louisiana approved another petition for a Taxotere MDL.

As a result, the Taxotere lawsuits entered the pre-trial phase in August 2022.

After the pre-trial phase, Judge Jane Triche Milazzo ordered a Science Day to take place on December 19, 2022.

Before that date, Judge Milazzo provided the protocols for the said Science Day.

Despite the scheduled date, the Science Day took place earlier.

There, the defendants Sanofi-Aventis presented their case refuting the claims made against them. Likewise, the legal counsel of the Taxotere lawsuit plaintiffs presented expert testimony and evidence to bolster the Taxotere claims.

After seeing the claims made by the plaintiffs as insufficient, Judge Milazzo ruled in favor of Sanofi-Aventis to dismiss the motion filed by the plaintiffs.

The Judge dismissed the case on December 5, 2022, on the grounds of a failure to state a claim.

Luckily, it was not the end of the road for the victims of the Taxotere case.

An appeals court overturned the December 2022 decision, bringing hope to the plaintiffs of the Taxotere vision loss lawsuit.

On February 13, 2023, Judge Milazzo issued a pre-trial order, officially setting the Taxotere eye injury MDL in motion again.

At the time of writing, the litigation against Sanofi-Aventis is ongoing.

There have been at least 10,000 more claims filed against the company. So far, recent rulings have been several Taxotere bellwether trials to determine settlements.

To date, Sanofi-Aventis hasn’t offered settlements to the victims of its chemo drug Taxotere.

Taxotere Side Effects: More than Meets the Eye

The broad range of Taxotere’s side effects highlights the necessity of regular monitoring and immediate intervention when adverse effects are detected.

Taxotere, a potent chemotherapeutic agent, has been associated with several serious eye-related side effects such as:

Lacrimal Duct Obstruction

A frequent side effect of Taxotere, Lacrimal Duct Obstruction is an eye condition that creates blockages in the tear ducts.

This leads to symptoms such as:

  • Itchy eyes
  • Persistent eye irritation
  • Progression to corneal abrasions or scarring if untreated​1

Docetaxel-induced Cystoid Macular Edema (DIME)

Many breast cancer patients receiving Taxotere therapy also developed DIME.

This condition is characterized by:

Epiphora

Taxotere has been linked to the development of Epiphora, a condition that is a direct result of Lacrimal Duct Obstruction.

This condition causes:

  • Tear accumulation within the ducts, leading to their swelling
  • Extreme discomfort
  • Excessive tearing
  • Vision issues​​

Apart from these, Taxotere may also lead to other serious conditions such as neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia​.

Proper management can mitigate the severity of these side effects, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life during cancer treatment.

How To Take Legal Action and File a Vision Damage Lawsuit Against Sanofi-Aventis

Taking the proper steps in filing a Taxotere lawsuit is essential to your case’s success down the road.

If you have developed vision problems from taking Taxotere, follow these steps to maximize your chances of a successful vision damage claim.

Seek Medical Care for Your Vision Problems

Medical care is essential to halt the deterioration of your vision.

If you are under the care of an oncologist, you may be receiving care for your vision already since partial vision loss is a side-effect of other chemotherapy drugs.

Besides getting treatment for managing your vision, seeking medical attention enables you to secure various documents like your medical records and diagnostics.

These documents will be critical later when your lawyer represents you in your lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis.

Retain Records of Your Prescriptions

Besides proving damages and injuries to your eyes, you must also prove that Taxotere was to blame.

To do this, you will need copies of your prescriptions.

Prescription records prove that you were taking Taxotere as part of your chemotherapy.

Having these will make it easier for your attorney to link Taxotere to your vision damage.

Contact a Law Firm for a Case Evaluation

Once you have the necessary documents, you can then find out if you qualify for a lawsuit.

One way to find out is by reaching out to a law firm.

Law firms usually offer case evaluations as part of their introductory services.

When you get one, you will find out if you have sufficient ground to file a lawsuit for your Taxotere-induced vision damage.

However, not every law firm or products liability litigation attorney will offer case evaluations for free.

If you need a free case evaluation, we can give you one.

You can get an instant case evaluation by clicking the “Do I Qualify” button below and find out if you qualify for the Taxotere Eye Injury Lawsuit!

Are You a Victim of Taxotere-Induced Vision Problems? Find Out if You Qualify for a Taxotere Lawsuit Now

If you have been receiving Taxotere as part of your chemotherapy treatments, you may risk vision problems — however, that’s not your fault.

With that in mind, you need to seek justice and do so immediately.

Don’t lose sight of your rights.

If you need a free resource or a free place to find out if you qualify for a case, we’re here.

We’ve helped thousands of victims like yourself by providing resources and case evaluations to aid in filing lawsuits.

Seek justice for yourself today.

Learn more about the Taxotere lawsuits and other active lawsuits.

Also, get a free case evaluation to determine your eligibility for a case.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's Taxotere?

    Taxotere is a brand name for the chemotherapy drug docetaxel.

    Taxotere works by hindering the growth and spread of cancer cells.

    Unfortunately, the drug also causes permanent hair loss and can lead to permanent damage to the eyes.

  • What Cancer Does Taxotere Treat?

    Taxotere is an FDA-approved medication for treating breast cancer.

    It is also used for other types of cancer like stomach cancer and first to second-stage prostate cancer.

  • How Do I Find Out if I Qualify for a Taxotere Lawsuit?

    The best way to find out if you have a case is to get a case evaluation.

    For a free case evaluation, use our chatbot to learn about your eligibility for the Taxotere vision damage lawsuits.

  • Has Sanofi-Aventis Settled Any Claims for Permanent Hair Loss and Vision Damage?

    To date, the company hasn’t paid any settlements to the victims of permanent hair loss and vision problems.

    The two MDLs against the company are going on at the time of writing.

Written By:
Picture of Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Experienced Attorney & Legal SaaS CEO

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!

Do You
Have A Case?

Here, at Tru Lawsuit Info, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.

To do this, we actively work to connect them with attorneys who are experts in litigating cases similar to theirs.

Would you like our help?

About Tru Lawsuit Info

Tru Lawsuit Info is a reliable source of information about issues that may affect your health and safety, such as faulty products, data breaches, and environmental hazards.

Our team of experienced writers collaborates with medical professionals, lawyers, and advocates to produce informative articles, guides, and other resources that raise awareness of these topics.

Our thorough research provides consumers with access to reliable information and updates on lawsuits happening around the country. We also can connect consumers with attorneys if they need assistance.

Recent Posts
Do You
Have A Case?

Here, at Tru Lawsuit Info, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.

To do this, we actively work to connect them with attorneys who are experts in litigating cases similar to theirs.

Would you like our help?