Off-Label Eye Injections of Avastin Come Under Scrutiny
In recent years, ophthalmologists have had success injecting Avastin (generically known as bevacizumab) into patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. In some, these injections improve or halt blindness.
As effective as they may be, eye injections of Avastin are an off-label use. Avastin has been approved by the FDA for intravenous treatment of colorectal and certain lung, breast, brain, and kidney cancers. However, the FDA has not approved Avastin for this eye injections.
Silicone in Prefilled Avastin Syringes Poses Serious Danger
Genentech, the maker of Avastin, does not manufacture or supply prefilled syringes with Avastin. Rather, it is compounding pharmacies who insert the drug into prefilled syringes and supply the syringes to ophthalmologists.
Many of these compounding pharmacies use plastic syringes not designed for eye injections that are coated with silicone. When silicone freezes, it becomes a solid. Because these syringes are stored in refrigeration or frozen, silicone solids find their way into patients’ eyes as solids or microdroplets.
Eye contamination with silicone may cause severe vision problems for patients who are already suffering from a serious degenerative eye condition.
Unsafe Drug and Medical Device Law Firm
If you or someone you know has suffered injury due to eye injections please contact our unsafe drug and medical device attorneys immediately for a free consultation toll-free at 1-855-462-3330 or by using our online contact form.
