SGGP 10/02/2023 10:36

Regarding information about the cancer treatment drug Avastin of Roche Pharmaceutical Company (Switzerland) being investigated in Pakistan because 12 patients became blind after being injected with the drug, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) has just announced that after reviewing in Vietnam, Avastin has 4 valid circulation registration certificates.

Avastin is indicated in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer; advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer; advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma; glioblastoma/malignant glioma (WHO stage IV); epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer...; and is also warned not to be used for intravitreal injection.

Reactions may include intraocular infection, endophthalmitis, and conjunctival hemorrhage. Some events have resulted in adverse events of varying severity, including permanent blindness.

“In Vietnam, to date, the Drug Administration has not received any reports of adverse effects of Avastin, produced by Roche Pharmaceuticals, related to patients losing their vision after using Avastin,” said a representative of the Drug Administration.