Avastin is a brand name for the drug bevacizumab, which is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, breast, and kidney cancers. It works by blocking the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread.
Avastin lawsuits have been filed against the drug’s manufacturer, Genentech, and its parent company, Roche, alleging that the medication causes serious side effects, including gastrointestinal perforations, wound healing complications, and hypertension. Some of these lawsuits also claim that Genentech and Roche failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about these risks.
In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the approval of Avastin for the treatment of breast cancer due to concerns about its safety and effectiveness. However, the drug is still approved for other types of cancer, and some doctors continue to prescribe it off-label for breast cancer.
Avastin remains a controversial medication, with an ongoing debate about its risks and benefits in various types of cancer treatment.
Has Avastin Been Used for Non-Cancer Treatment?
Yes, Avastin has been used for non-cancer treatments as well. Here are some examples:
Avastin has been used off-label to treat age-related macular degeneration, a progressive eye disease that can cause blindness. The drug is injected into the eye and works by blocking the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
Avastin has also been used off-label to treat diabetic retinopathy, another eye disease that can lead to blindness. Like with macular degeneration, the drug is injected into the eye and helps reduce abnormal blood vessel growth.
Avastin has been studied as a potential treatment for psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, scaly patches. The drug works by reducing inflammation and the growth of new blood vessels, which can help to alleviate symptoms.
Avastin has also been studied as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain and stiffness. The drug works by reducing inflammation and blocking the formation of new blood vessels in the joints, which can help to slow the progression of the disease.
However, Avastin is not currently approved by the FDA for any of these non-cancer indications, and the safety and effectiveness of the drug for these uses are still being studied.
Does Avastin Have Any Dangerous Side Effects? How Long Do Avastin Side Effects Last?
Yes, Avastin has been associated with several potentially dangerous side effects. Some of the most commonly reported Avastin side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal perforation: This is a rare but serious side effect that can occur when Avastin causes a hole in the wall of the stomach, intestines, or rectum. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Wound healing complications: Avastin can interfere with the healing of surgical wounds, which can increase the risk of bleeding, infection, and delayed wound closure.
- High blood pressure: Avastin can cause hypertension, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
- Blood clots: Avastin can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other serious conditions.
- Impaired kidney function: Avastin can cause proteinuria, a condition in which excess protein is excreted in the urine. This can lead to kidney damage and impaired kidney function.
The duration of Avastin side effects depend on the person and the specific side effect experienced. In some cases, side effects may resolve within a few weeks after the medication is discontinued. In other cases, side effects may persist or become chronic, requiring ongoing management and treatment.
Numerous Avastin complaints and lawsuits have been filed against Genentech and Roche in the United States. Many of these lawsuits allege that the drug caused serious side effects, including gastrointestinal perforation, wound healing complications, hypertension, blood clots, and impaired kidney function. Some patients who received Avastin also claim to have suffered permanent injuries or disabilities as a result of these side effects.
In addition to the alleged side effects, many of these lawsuits also claim that Genentech and Roche failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the risks associated with Avastin. Plaintiffs have argued that the companies knew or should have known about the potential for these side effects but failed to provide sufficient warnings on the drug’s label or in its promotional materials.
Some of these lawsuits have resulted in significant settlements or judgments in favor of the plaintiffs. For example, in 2012, Genentech agreed to pay $45 million to settle allegations that it illegally promoted Avastin for off-label use in the treatment of breast cancer. In 2019, a jury in California awarded $10.5 million to a patient who suffered permanent injuries after receiving Avastin for colon cancer.
Who Can I Sue for an Avastin Injury Lawsuit?
In an Avastin injury lawsuit, there may be several parties who can be held liable depending on the circumstances of the case. Here are some examples:
- Manufacturer: The drug’s manufacturer, Genentech, and its parent company, Roche, may be held liable if it can be shown that they failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the risks associated with Avastin or if they engaged in illegal marketing practices.
- The doctor or medical facility: If a doctor or medical facility administered Avastin improperly or failed to monitor the patient for potential side effects, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
- Pharmacist: If a pharmacist provided incorrect dosages of Avastin or failed to properly store the medication, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
- Other parties: Depending on the circumstances of the case, other parties, such as insurance companies, distributors, or other healthcare providers may also be held liable for an Avastin injury.
In the case of an Avastin eye injection lawsuit specifically, the doctor who administered the injection may be the primary party held liable. However, the manufacturer and other parties may also be held liable if it can be shown that they contributed to the patient’s injury in some way.
Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you determine who may be held liable in your particular case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Avastin Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of Avastin treatment, seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, including the possibility of pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Personal injury cases can be complex and challenging, but a skilled attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a claim and advocate for your interests. They can investigate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument for your claim.
LegalMatch can assist you in finding experienced Avastin injury lawyers, provide a free case evaluation, and help you get the right legal representation for your Avastin personal injury case.
Don’t wait to seek legal help if you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed by Avastin treatment. Contact a class action lawyer today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options for pursuing justice and compensation.
