Five more patients have been blinded after being injected with the drug Avastin for macular degeneration at a West Los Angeles Medical Center, a VA facility, according to a New York Times report.
Avastin, which is not available in single-dose vials, has been shown to be a cost-effective treatment for macular degeneration. Lucentis, an FDA-approved treatment for macular degeneration, costs approximately $2,000, compared to $50 for Avastin. However, the additional handling (because it is not available in single-dose vials) exposes patients to potential contamination.
Four patients also suffered infections after receiving Avastin at Nashville (Tenn.) VA Medical Center. In addition, the FDA issued an alert that the drug caused at least a dozen serious eye infections in the Miami area.
The VA department said the Los Angeles medical center will cease use of Avastin and begin using Lucentis.
Four Patients Become Victims of Contaminated Shots at Tennessee VA Facility
NHIC Limits Avastin Use Starting Feb. 1
Avastin, which is not available in single-dose vials, has been shown to be a cost-effective treatment for macular degeneration. Lucentis, an FDA-approved treatment for macular degeneration, costs approximately $2,000, compared to $50 for Avastin. However, the additional handling (because it is not available in single-dose vials) exposes patients to potential contamination.
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Four patients also suffered infections after receiving Avastin at Nashville (Tenn.) VA Medical Center. In addition, the FDA issued an alert that the drug caused at least a dozen serious eye infections in the Miami area.
The VA department said the Los Angeles medical center will cease use of Avastin and begin using Lucentis.
Related Articles on Avastin:
FDA: Repackaged Avastin Caused Eye Infections in FloridaFour Patients Become Victims of Contaminated Shots at Tennessee VA Facility
NHIC Limits Avastin Use Starting Feb. 1
