A pharmaceutical company is facing a lawsuit over allegations of severe eye injuries caused by one of its chemotherapy drugs. Christa Garza filed the complaint against Sandoz Inc. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on May 9, 2025. The lawsuit is part of a larger multidistrict litigation concerning Taxotere (Docetaxel) and related eye injuries.
The case revolves around Garza's use of Docetaxel, a chemotherapy drug, which she claims led to chronic and debilitating epiphora—a condition characterized by excessive tearing due to damage to the lacrimal drainage system. According to the complaint, Garza used the drug from April 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016, in Missouri. The plaintiff alleges that Sandoz Inc., along with other defendants including Sanofi US Services Inc., Accord Healthcare, and Pfizer Inc., failed to adequately warn about the potential risks associated with their products. "Plaintiff suffers from chronic and debilitating epiphora due to damage to the lacrimal drainage system," states the complaint.
Garza's legal team argues that the defendants are liable under strict product liability for failure to warn and negligence. They claim that these companies did not provide sufficient information regarding the side effects of Docetaxel and similar drugs, which resulted in significant harm to patients like Garza. The complaint further accuses these companies of breaching their duty of care by not ensuring that healthcare providers and patients were fully informed about potential adverse effects.
In terms of relief sought, Garza is requesting compensatory damages for her injuries and suffering as well as punitive damages aimed at deterring similar conduct by pharmaceutical companies in the future. The lawsuit also seeks recovery for medical expenses incurred due to her condition and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Christa Garza are attorneys Patrick O. Hotze, Karen Cannon Shanks, and Justin E. Dunlap from Hotze Runkle PLLC based in West Lake Hills, Texas; alongside Richard M. Paul III and Laura C. Fellows from Paul LLP located in Kansas City, Missouri. The case is being overseen by Judge Jane T. Milazzo under Case ID 2:25-cv-00925.