Avastin is FDA approved for the intravenous treatment of cancer, and has been used in that application since 2004. Because of its ability to prevent new blood vessels from forming, Avastin has been used off-label in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. This practice requires Avastin to be repackaged into single-use prepackaged syringes.
Many pre-packaged syringes use silicone as a lubricant. Different parts of the syringe (like the inside of the barrel) are coated with silicone to facilitate the smooth application of the drug. However, silicone oil or particulates can leach from the syringe and enter into to the Avastin solution. If this occurs, the silicone is injected into the eye along with the Avastin.
Many compounding pharmacies repackage Avastin into insulin needles, which were never meant to be used for eye injections. These insulin syringes were not designed or tested for eye injection applications and the amount of silicon oil per syringe is not strictly controlled. There are, however, syringes available that either do not use silicone as a lubricant or use a form of “baked-on” silicone which can help reduce silicone contamination. Unfortunately, compounding pharmacies continue to repackage Avastin into plastic silicone-coated insulin needles.
If you have experienced silicone oil or silicone particulates being injected into your eye during an injection of Avastin, please do not hesitate to contact one our experienced attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP. We are actively investigating cases involving Avastin eye injections and we would be happy to review your case personally and discuss with you whether you have a valid claim for compensation.
Contact us today to request a consultation.
