Avastin - Eye clinic appointment
So I went to eye clinic today. The consultant is really nice and explains everything thoroughly but today I was informed he wants to stick a needle IN MY EYE!!! To give me Avastin for fluid in the retina. I've had extensive laser and he can't do any more of that because the leak is too near the centre of my vision.
Has anyone had this done? Apparently Avastin isn't licensed but they still use it here in the UK, as the licensed version is too expensive for the NHS to buy!!
But he also said it might only last a few months, so is it worth doing?
I am completely squeamish when it comes to my eyes, so the thought of a needle being stuck in one of them makes me want to cry.
Thanks
Dee
Has anyone had this done? Apparently Avastin isn't licensed but they still use it here in the UK, as the licensed version is too expensive for the NHS to buy!!
But he also said it might only last a few months, so is it worth doing?
I am completely squeamish when it comes to my eyes, so the thought of a needle being stuck in one of them makes me want to cry.
Thanks
Dee
-
Comment by SuFu, Ph.D. on June 13, 2011 at 9:36am -
Avastin (bevacizumab) is a human monocloncal antibody targetted against vascular endothelial growth factor. Treatment with bev prevents the body from making new blood vessels and helps to normalize (vascular pruning) atypical blood vessels. Think about a bush and trimming off the excess branches where you don't want it to grow. Since in diabetic neuropathy the bloods vessels can swell, leak and proliferate abnormally I'm guessing he is attempting to stop this from happening. Bev has a half-life about 6 weeks, so the few months thing is right on track. There is peer-reviewed published literature (here, here, here and here showing that it is safe and effective at stopping the neovascularization, but will more will not restore eyesight.
Good Luck,
SuFu, PhD
-
Comment by Dee on June 13, 2011 at 1:25pm -
Thanks SuFu
I feel better about it now.
Comment
Advertisement
REsources
Groups
From the Diabetes Hands Foundation blog...
How do you measure the work of volunteers?
329,040 minutes, 329,040 moments so dear. 329,040 minutes — How do you measure, measure volunteers? In smileys, in tears shed, in counsel, in cups of coffee. In units, in carb counts, in laughter, in strife. In 329,040 minutes – how …Continue Reading
DHF Expands Board of Advisors
Diabetes Hands Foundation has always relied on partners and advisors to increase its understanding of the diabetes space, in order to better serve people touched by diabetes. Today this is as true as ever, as we proudly announce the expansion …Continue Reading
TuDiabetes Team
DHF STAFF
 Manny Hernandez(Co-Founder, Editor, has LADA)
|
DHF VOLUNTEERS
Lead Administrator
 Bradford (has type 1) |
Administrators
 Lorraine (mother of type 1) |
 Marie B (has type 1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIKE us on Facebook
Spread the word
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
© 2013 A community of people touched by diabetes, run by the Diabetes Hands Foundation.
You need to be a member of Diabetes community by Diabetes Hands Foundation: TuDiabetes to add comments!
Join Diabetes community by Diabetes Hands Foundation: TuDiabetes