Cancer Drug Leaves 12 Diabetic Patients Blind, Pakistan Health Officials Launch Investigation

Avastin is a known anti-cancer treatment sometimes prescribed for off-label use to treat diabetic retinopathy—until now.
Cancer Drug Leaves 12 Diabetic Patients Blind, Pakistan Health Officials Launch Investigation
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Health authorities in Punjab, Pakistan, announced Monday the investigation into two distributors of the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, following incidents where 12 diabetic patients went blind after using the firm’s anti-cancer drug. The incidents might be caused by misuse of the drugs.

“Incidents of loss of vision in diabetic patients have been reported following treatment with … Avastin injection,” regulators said in a press statement.

Mary Gillis
Mary Gillis
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Mary Elizabeth Gillis is a health reporter and cardiopulmonary specialist with over a decade of experience. After graduating with her doctorate in applied physiology, she earned a master of science degree in journalism from Columbia University.
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