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Friday, July 28, 2006
Avastin for Wet MD Unavailable to Sydney Eye Specialists
Newcastle woman Elizabeth Fordham, who has age-related macular degeneration, is featured in a Sydney Morning Herald article about the withdrawal of Avastin. Mrs Fordham has experienced improvement in her vision as a result of Avastin injections, but her next injection of Avastin will be her last:
'http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/withdrawal-of-cheaper-drug-no-better-than-a-poke-in-eye-for-blindsufferers/2006/07/26/1153816251768.html' (Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July 2006).
Eugene Hollenbach, the retinal specialist who treats Mrs Fordham, said he was reaching the end of his supply of Avastin. He had been using the drug for two months and had already treated more than 30 patients.
"We're in limbo and don't know what to do with our patients," he said. "Either the price of Lucentis should come down significantly or we should be allowed to prescribe Avastin."
Both drugs are available only privately, but Avastin costs about $200 a shot, while Lucentis injections cost $2000 each. After a patient has bought three Lucentis injections, Roche will provide them free.
'http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/withdrawal-of-cheaper-drug-no-better-than-a-poke-in-eye-for-blindsufferers/2006/07/26/1153816251768.html' (Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July 2006).
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