Off-Label Drug Use Leads to Infection And Blindness

Genentech's cancer-drug, Avastin, has been used for off-label treatment of macular degeneration since 2005, but more and more patients are coming forward saying they have been injured, blinded and even subject to brain damage as a result of the treatments.

Genentech has a drug, Lucentis, that is similar in composition to Avastin and is approved for treatment of macular degeneration, but the cost differential is tremendous: injections of Avastin cost just $50 per treatment, whereas a single injection of Lucentis can cost $2000. While the cost-saving practice has saved insurance providers and patients millions of dollars, patients are putting their health at risk each time they receive an injection.

In order to use Avastin for eye injections, the large vial of medication must be opened and parceled into numerous smaller vials, leaving the substance susceptible to bacterial contamination. The risk appears to be quite real; patients in Miami, Nashville and Los Angeles have all reported infections and loss of sight after receiving injections of contaminated Avastin. In one of the Nashville patients, the infection spread to his brain, leaving him in a persistent vegetative state.

With the rising cost of health care in this country, cost saving efforts are important and necessary, but not at the risk of endangering the patient. If you have suffered serious side effects from Avastin or dangerous drugs like it, you may need ongoing care and help paying your bills. A dangerous drug attorney from Arnold & Itkin can be your advocate, making sure you are taken care of for years to come. Contact a drug defect attorney from Arnold & Itkin and receive your free consultation today.