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Injection drugs distributed in December 2012 are recalled due to possible syringe decontamination after 5 patients develop eye infections.
The infection, called endophthalmitis, seems to be caused by streptococcus bacteria, and can lead to permanent vision loss. As many as 12 patients have developed eye infections since the initial 5 patients were discovered, including some who have been blinded since the infection began. Another 4 patients have been discovered in Tennessee.
Avastin is normally used to treat various cancers, however some use to solution to treat macular degeneration, as it costs $50 per injection versus Lucentis (a drug actually approved for the use of macular degeneration) that costs $2,000 per injection.
Macular degeneration causes new blood vessel formation in the eye, causing fluid and blood leaks which then damages retina. The condition, brought on by aging, is a common cause of blindness in older patients (50 years of age and older), causing 2 million people in the U.S. to go blind.
Clinical Specialties has notified doctors and patients of possible infection from using these specific lots of Avastin. If you are currently using Avastin, stop the medication immediately and consult a physician.
The FDA is continuing to work with the CDC and health departments to determine the damage caused by injection contamination.
Clinical Specialties has notified doctors and patients of possible infection from using these specific lots of Avastin. If you are currently using Avastin, stop the medication immediately and consult a physician.