The recent fungal meningitis outbreak has brought to light the possible consequences of compounded drugs. The outbreak occurred from a contaminated steroid injection into the spinal cavity.
We, as retina specialists, often use compounded medications in the form of Avastin as an intraocular injection. Intravitreal Avastin is used to treat macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, and diabetic macular edema.
A compounded medication is one that is removed from a larger vial and mixed to smaller concentrations or dosages and then sent for use. This process occurs for many medications that are used for a vast array of conditions. Since one vial creates many doses, one contamination can affect a large number of people.
Lucentis and Eylea, also used to treat macular degneration, retinal vein occlusions, and diabetic macular edema, are not compounded medications. They arrive at our office in a one time use vial. Therefore the risk of one single vial affecting multiple people is zero. However, there is always a risk of infection using any medication for intraocular injection.
Many patients have become concerned about the risk of receiving Avastin since it is a compounded medication. However, this is a complex discussion that is best had between the treating physician and the patient. Overall, patients need to weigh all of their choices when receiving any treatment or considering changing treatment regimen.
This is for informational purposes only and not intended to be medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for medical advice.
Please visit us at www.ncretina.com
No comments:
Post a Comment