Avastin for Macular Degeneration Treatment

Treating the wet form of macular degeneration with Avastin provides hope for the more than10 million Americans suffering from the incurable eye disease, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (see Reference 3). Known for its cancer-fighting abilities, Avastin retards the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the rear portion of the eye. In March 2005, Philip J. Rosenfeld, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, commented that more studies are needed to see if the risks outweigh the benefits of using Avastin in the treatment of wet macular degeneration (see Reference 2).

How Avastin Treats Macular Degeneration

• Inhibiting the growth of blood vessels in the retina is the main purpose of Avastin, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (see Reference 2). Leaking blood vessels in the retina cause vision loss, or blurred spots, for wet macular degeneration patients. Administering Avastin through an IV drip works to reduce the growth of these cells. Given as an off-label drug, Avastin had not been FDA-approved for the treatment of macular degeneration. Used primarily for the treatment of cancer, Avastin has not been tested for ophthalmic uses (see Reference 2).

When to Use Avastin for Macular Degeneration

• Used within the first six to 12 months of onset, patients with macular degeneration may see a slowing in the process of the eye disease. Avastin is not a cure, simply a treatment, to slow the growth of blood cells. Avastin is a name brand formula of bevacizumab manufactured by Cerner Multum, Inc. (see Reference 1).

  Improvement of vision within a week is the top selling point for patients investigating Avastin for ocular treatment. Dr. Rosenfeld also noted restoration of the ocular cells after treatments of Avastin (see Reference 2), making the treatment desirable.

Warnings Regarding Avastin

• Starting Avastin as a treatment of macular degeneration should be carefully considered. Wait at least four weeks, or until the incision is completely healed, from any type of surgery before beginning this regime (see Reference 1). Known to cause increased bleeding and infection, Avastin may delay post-operative healing.

  Labeled as pregnancy category C by the FDA, Avastin has not been determined safe for pregnant or lactating mothers (see Reference 1). It is unclear if the drug can be passed to newborns through breast milk.

  On rare occasions, Avastin has been known to cause neurological disorders that affect the brain (see Reference 1). Common side effects include feeling light-headed, faint or dizzy. Physical effects may been noticed during treatments with Avastin, or years later, according to Drugs.com. (see Reference 1). Used primarily with cancer patients, Avastin has been documented to cause an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes (see Reference 2).