Retina group publishes Avastin safety information

In light of recent cases of blinding endophthalmitis from injections of Avastin, the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) has published online safety information about compounding pharmacies. This information will allow retina specialists to choose high-quality providers of Avastin. The cases of endophthalmitis which have been in the news recently have been a result of bacterial contamination which occurred when the drug was divided into many smaller doses by the compounding pharmacy. It is this extra handling and the transference of these small doses into syringes that increases the risk of bacterial contamination. The ASRS conducted a survey among its members to determine if they had any cases of endophthalmitis and if so, what the cause was and if they were associated with a particular compounding pharmacy. The ASRS then compiled the detailed results of the survey to make available to other members to assist them in selecting pharmacies who have the highest standards of safety.* Elise Ervin Staff Writer