Taxotere is a cytotoxic agent for promoting the death of cancer cells. It is the leading chemotherapy medication on the market today for advanced or metastatic breast cancer. In addition to breast cancer, Taxotere is also used to combat other forms of cancer, including lung cancer, head and neck cancer and gastric and prostate cancer. In 1996, after extensive research and clinical trials, Sanofi-Aventis received approval from the FDA for its efficacy in the reduction of cancer deaths. What makes Taxotere unique is its chemical properties produce noticeable differences in the reduction of non-small cell mitigation. This refers to the fact that patients treated with Taxotere, experienced a pronounced reduction in the spontaneous growth of malignant cells. Chemotherapy is a system of delivering a potent synthetic drug combination into the nucleus of targeted cancer cells. Thus effectively, the immune system is prevented from continually producing an overabundance of cancerous tumors. This cellular death allows the formation of healthy cells after the patient’s immune system is blasted with the antineoplastic therapy.
Taxotere and Alopecia
Alopecia refers to permanent hair loss caused by an assault on the hair follicles. It happens when the immune system sends signals to attack the follicles at the root. Then, the steady monthly growth cycle of new follicles is halted. During chemotherapy, patients often receive what’s known as a “cocktail.” There are usually two or more cytotoxic drugs given at the same time. When taken in combination with Taxotere, some patients have reported hair loss. This condition is called, “scalp” alopecia. Most people who receive chemotherapy experience hair loss; anytime during the first 3-4 weeks. But by the end of the treatment process, typically sparse regrowth of new hair follicles occurs. However, there are patients who have taken Taxotere that have formed male pattern baldness. This hair loss is irreversible and is now listed as a long term side effect – more on this at: How Can I File A Lawsuit Against The Manufacturer of Taxotere
One of the Possible Side Effects
Taxotere is excellent in the fight against various forms of cancer. But, along with the prescribed treatment, it can possibly cause hair loss. So, the answer to your question, “Can Taxotere cause permanent hair loss?” The answer is “yes.” Though not experienced by every patient, there have been enough incidents that in 2016, the FDA announced that Sanofi-Aventis was under investigation, regarding the overall safety of the chemotherapy treatment. According to the initial developments, Taxotere has been linked to permanent hair loss, after chemotherapy. Taxotere is actually derived from a natural plant source, it is received intravenously to disrupt the cellular cycle. The good news for patients, the drug remains on the market. This indicates that the side effect is the result of the combination of the drug cocktail. The cocktail is induced into the body to halt the rapid breakdown and erosion of cells, which is the first sign of metastasis. In the United States alone, approximately 3 million women are newly diagnosed with breast cancer, annually. Of that number, 70% of patients are treated with Taxotere.