Over the past several months, our personal injury blog has focused on how re-packaged prescription eye injections – including those manufactured by Avastin and Lucentis – carry risks of silicone contamination. These anti-VEGF medications are used to treat macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other conditions of eye. However, many eye doctors that treat patients using these drugs obtain pre-filled syringes from compounding pharmacies that re-package syringes that were never approved for use in eye injections. These syringes are often lubricated with silicone, which can contaminate medication with silicone oil droplets or particles prior to being injected into the eye.
Recently, it was discovered that as many as 20 patients who had received Avastin eye injections in New Delhi experienced blurred vision, pain, and other adverse effects when being treated for various eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy. According to officials with New Delhi’s health institute, many of these patients were required to undergo operations to remove contaminants from the vitreous humor, the transparent tissue behind the lens of the eye. Others required additional care and follow-up treatment.
Officials believe that the batch of Avastin injections used to treat the 20 patients had been contaminated. While they have not specified whether the contamination occurred as a result of improper storage or manufacturing defects, the issue may have resulted from silicone contaminants in pre-filled syringes handled by compounding pharmacies. Reports of Avastin-related injuries in other countries mirror those in America.
As a nationally renowned personal injury law firm recognized among the “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has extensive experience representing victims who have suffered injuries due to unsafe drugs and products. Currently, our Cleveland-based personal injury lawyers are investigating cases nationwide from individuals who have experienced silicone oil or silicone particles being injected into their eye during Avastin, Eylea, or Lucentis injections.
If you have questions about the potential merits of your case and whether you may be entitled to a financial recovery, our attorneys are readily available to review your situation, discuss your rights, and determine whether you may have a valid claim for compensation.
