What Can I Be Owed for Permanent Canalicular Stenosis?
The drug manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis knew about the dangers of its drug but failed to warn patients and doctors for many years. As a result, many cancer patients experienced a range of adverse side effects, including Canalicular Stenosis, a permanent medical condition.
If you developed Canalicular Stenosis after taking Taxotere during chemotherapy treatment, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Take our online case evaluation quiz to see if you qualify to file a lawsuit with Hotze Runkle PLLC.
What Is Canalicular Stenosis?
Canalicular Stenosis is an irreversible condition affecting the canaliculus, a channel-like structure responsible for funneling tears from the tear ducts into the nasal cavity. When functioning correctly, tears spread across the surface of the eye and drain into the canaliculus through tiny holes at the corners of the eyes. The canaliculus pushes the tears into the nasal cavity.
If inflammation of the canaliculus occurs, blockages can begin to develop. Obstructions from chronic inflammation can become so severe that tears aren’t able to flow to the nasal cavity as usual. Instead, the tears build up on the eye’s surface and release when the person blinks.
Typically, excessive eye-watering, also called epiphora, is one of the first symptoms to develop. Without immediate and necessary medical care, more symptoms can occur.
The most common symptoms of Canalicular Stenosis include:
- Chronic eye infections
- Light sensitivity
- Clouded eye lens
- Swollen eyelids
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Central vision loss
As the canaliculus continues to suffer damage from chronic inflammation and infections, these structures can start closing. When they begin to close, no form of treatment or medical intervention can reopen them.
Possible Link Between Taxotere and Canalicular Stenosis
Medical researchers discovered a link between treating cancer with Taxotere and the development of Canalicular Stenosis. However, just because you’re on a Taxotere regimen doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to experience symptoms of the condition.
According to the results of multiple studies, secretions from Taxotere interact with different fluids, including tears, as it travels around the body. The secretions cause the canaliculus to become inflamed, resulting in blockages. The blockages trigger excessive watery eyes.
If canaliculus inflammation continues, more obstructions can form and prevent the tears from traveling along their normal path. Unfortunately, chronic inflammation is common among cancer patients because many think eye-watering is a side effect of chemo and will stop once they finish treatment. By the time they realize it’s an adverse effect of Taxotere, they already have Canalicular Stenosis.
Holding the Manufacturer Liable for Your Diagnosis
Sanofi-Aventis manufactured Taxotere to treat various cancers, including:
The drug finds and attacks cancer cells in the body, shrinking them, so they don’t spread. A doctor can administer it intravenously once a week, once every other week, or once every three weeks. The Taxotere regimen doesn’t seem to influence whether a patient experiences negative side effects – such as hair loss or problems with nails.
It is also possible for family or caregivers to experience negative side effects from the drug by coming into contact with it as it leaves your body. Find out how to protect family and caregivers by following these guidelines.
According to lawsuits, Sanofi knew about the risk of developing Canalicular Stenosis while taking Taxotere but didn’t include warnings on original packaging labels. Despite performing studies and discovering the side effects, the manufacturer decided to hide its findings from the Food and Drug Administration, doctors, and patients. It wasn’t until years later that the drug company finally revised its warning labels to include the risk of developing Canalicular Stenosis while on a Taxotere regimen.
When you work with us, we can help inform and educate your doctors about the case, preventing the cycle from continuing and helping you to get the kind of medical care you need. This does not mean we will make decisions about your treatment, but we can advise you on how to speak with your doctors and how to gather all the documentation you need to support your case, including as much documentation as possible about any pre-existing conditions you may have had.
Compensation Available for Permanent Canalicular Stenosis
If you developed excessive eye-watering or any symptoms of Canalicular Stenosis, you could pursue a lawsuit against Sanofi. You likely required medical care to treat your symptoms. If you needed to take time off from work, you might not be able to afford your medical bills. You could end up facing financial strain and massive debt. The costs you incurred should not be your responsibility.
The compensation you receive from a lawsuit might compensate for the losses you suffered, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Inconvenience
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
There is a statute of limitations you must follow if you want to sue the manufacturer for compensation. Texas enforces a two-year statute of limitations. That means you have two years from the date of your Taxotere injury to file your lawsuit. Once the statute expires, you could lose your right to pursue a case under these circumstances.
Contact Hotze Runkle PLLC Today
If you believe your diagnosis of Canalicular Stenosis resulted from your treatment with Taxotere, Hotze Runkle PLLC wants to fight for justice and hold the manufacturer accountable on your behalf.
To find out if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit, start by taking our Online Case Evaluation Quiz. A member of our team will contact you if you qualify.
Our lawsuit represents people from all over the United States. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with canalicular stenosis after taking Taxotere during chemotherapy treatment, find out more about the lawsuit on our Video FAQ page and then take the Online Case Evaluation Quiz to find out if you qualify to get involved.