Makers of Chemotherapy Drug Taxotere Accused of Hiding Risk of Permanent Hair Loss

CHICAGO — An Illinois woman has sued the makers of Taxotere, accusing them of failing to warn doctors and patients that the chemotherapy drug can cause permanent hair loss.

In a March 10 complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the plaintiff alleges that Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC and its subsidiary, Aventis Pharma S.A., touted the drug as being more effective than its competitors, while hiding its risks.

Taxotere (paclitaxel), which is used in the treatment of various forms of cancer, including breast cancer, is part of a family of drugs known as taxanes. Taxanes …