Drug Injury Lawyer New Orleans
Drug Injury: Avastin® Cancer Drug Dangers
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.
In November 2011, the FDA stated that Avastin should no longer be used for breast cancer because there's no proof it extends patients' lives—and it causes dangerous side effects.
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.
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Have you been seriously injured by a pharmacutical drug? Demand Dudley DeBosier. Our Louisiana drug injury attorneys stand up to insurance companies to get you the money you need to cover doctor’s bills, car repairs, and lost income. We easily serve clients throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Prairieville, and Shreveport. Call (866) 897-8495 or fill out a free initial consultation form and talk to a lawyer today.