Security And Side Efects Of Intravitreal Avastin Using Two Methods Of Storage

Abstract

Purpose: : : Bevacizumab is the full–length antibody against VEGF and is the parent molecule for ranibizumab. Intravitreal Bevacizumab has been used clinically but security and side effects has not been described in a large group of patients. We report security and side effects of a study from September 2005 to November 2005 using two methods of storage.

Methods: : In a prospective study we included eyes that were treated from different diseases including: choroidal neovascularization, macular edema, retinal neovascularization, iris neovascularization, vascular tumors, and other pathologies. Complete eye examination and systemic side effects report including high blood pressure and vascular diseases were investigated pre–injection and up to 3 months after treatment.

Results: : 280 intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab were reported from a large referral center in Mexico City. Two storage methods were reported: one of aliquots of 0.05 cc or 0.01 cc in a tuberculin syringe (239 treatments) and the other one, taking the drug directly from a single vial several times (41 treatments).

Conclusions: : None of the patients had local or systemic side effects from intravitreal Bevacizumab injection. In a follow–up time of 3 months it is a safe treatment.

Keywords: retinal degenerations: cell biology • drug toxicity/drug effects • retina