The cancer drug, Avastin, has been used by retina specialists nationwide to treat patients suffering from macular degeneration, the leading cause of severe vision loss in the elderly.
However, three incidents this year in which a total of 21 patients lost some or all vision in the affected eye after injections of the drug have raised concerns about the eye treatment.
In Miami, 12 patients suffered eye infections from Streptococcus bacteria in July after receiving Avastin injections that came from the same compounding pharmacy and another four patients got Streptococcus infections at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Nashville earlier this year. Additionally, five patients treated in August at a VA Hospital in Los Angeles lost all or most vision in the injected eye. However, no infectious agent has been identified in this case.
Some patients get an Avastin injection, made by Genentech, as often as once a month. Researchers are split on the risk of using Avastin for eye treatment saying that dividing a vial of Avastin meant for a single cancer patient into many tiny doses for the eye may also introduce a risk of microbial contamination. The job of dividing the drug should be done under sterile conditions by a compounding pharmacy. Additionally, medical professionals should not speak while handling the syringe as droplets from the mouths of doctors has also been found to be a source of infection.
Our attorneys are available to handle cases involving eye injuries related to use of the drug Avastin. We have handled dozens of cases involving drugs and drug product injuries and obtained verdicts and settlements for victims suffering from these injuries. If you or a loved one has used Avastin and suffered loss of vision or a related eye injury, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw or visit us at www.messalaw.com.
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