Avastin (generic: bevacizumab) is a medication that is intended to interfere with the growth of cancer cells while slowing their growth and spread in the body. However, many patients have used Avastin in off-label uses to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Unfortunately, patients given this medication to treat AMD may increase their risk of suffering from catastrophic Avastin side effects including stroke or even death.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Avastin, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
As a product of Roche Holding AG, Avastin was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to interfere with the growth of cancerous cells and prevent their spreading throughout the body. Avastin is also used in the treatment of certain types of brain tumors as well as cancers of the kidney, lung, colon and rectum. When used for these purposes, Avastin may prove effective in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells.
However, patients have been using Avastin for off-label uses including the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a debilitating condition that gradually destroys sharp and central vision. A recent government-sponsored study discovered that Avastin is nearly as effective as Lucentis; a more expensive medication specifically designed to treat AMD.
Unfortunately, according to a study out of Johns Hopkins University that was presented at a meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) on May 4, patients given Avastin to treat AMD were more likely to die or suffer a stroke than patients given Lucentis. Due to these potentially fatal side effects, our Avastin lawyers are ready to represent plaintiffs in their potential Avastin lawsuit.
Avastin Side Effects
Avastin side effects include the following:
- Severe high blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Bleeding
- Hemorrhaging
- Development of perforations in the nose, stomach and intestines.
Due to the fact that Avastin prevents tumors and cancerous cells from spreading by restricting blood flow, serious adverse cardiac events may occur. Unfortunately, patients using Avastin may increase their risk of suffering from catastrophic Avastin side effects including stroke or even death. Due to the severity of these side effects, Avastin lawyers are ready to represent plaintiffs in their potential Avastin lawsuit.
FDA Warning
On December 16, 2010, the FDA issued a press release that acknowledged the dangers associated with taking Avastin in the following statement:
Avastin has also been associated with several other serious and potentially life-threatening side effects including the risk of stroke, wound healing complications, organ damage or failure; and the development of a neurological condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), characterized by high blood pressure, headaches, confusion, seizures, and vision loss from swelling of the brain.
On the basis of all available data relating to the use of Avastin to treat metastatic breast cancer, the agency has determined that the risks of the drug outweigh the benefits for this use.
Do I have an Avastin Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Avastin lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Avastin, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.