Drug Injury Lawyers
Avastin® Cancer Drug
The widely used cancer drug Avastin® has come under government scrutiny after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was reviewing recommendations of prominent doctors and scientists who have suggested revoking authorization of the drug. The FDA previously authorized Avastin to treat metastatic breast cancer, a condition that occurs when cancerous cells spread out from the breasts into surrounding tissue.
What Is Avastin?
Avastin is supposed to treat cancer by constricting blood flow to tumors, which are abnormal growths of tissue. The drug is used to treat brain, breast, colon, kidney, and lung cancers. Avastin comes as a solution that should slowly be administered into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a medical office, infusion center, or hospital. It is usually given once every 14 days to treat breast cancer or cancer of the colon or rectum, and once every three weeks to treat lung cancer.
What Is the Problem with Avastin?
New studies indicate the possible benefits of Avastin do not necessarily outweigh risks of its use, according to an FDA advisory panel.
Avastin is also enormously expensive—if used to treat breast cancer, it can cost as much as $88,000 a year. Roughly 17,500 women are prescribed Avastin annually, with global sales accounting for about $5.4 billion.
Avastin Risks
Serious side effects of Avastin may include:
- formation of abnormal passages from parts of the body to other parts
- high blood pressure
- infusion reactions, which may include high blood pressure or severe high blood pressure that may lead to stroke, difficulty breathing, decreased oxygen in red blood cells, serious allergic reaction, chest pain, headaches, tremors, and excessive sweating
- nervous system and vision disturbances
- stroke or heart problems
- too much protein in the urine, which may lead to kidney problems
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you care about took Avastin and suffered serious side effects, we want to help. Fill out a free online consultation form or call us today to learn what we can do for you.
Avastin® is a registered trademark of Genentech, Inc. and is used here only for the purpose of identifying the product in question. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Genentech, Inc. or any of its affiliates.
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