| ■ New Warnings Added for Colorectal Cancer Dr | 06.09.29 |
| New warnings about the risk of a brain-bleeding condition and deterioration of nasal tissue have been added to the labeling of the colorectal cancer drug Avastin. The new warnings, outlined on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Web site, say the drug can cause a rare brain-capillary leak that can trigger headache, seizure, blindness and other vision and neurological problems, the Associated Press reported. Drug maker Genentech said the condition, which is reversible, has been reported in less than 0.1 percent of the 60,000 patients treated with Avastin. The labeling changes also include a warning of possible nasal septum perforation in patients taking Avastin, the AP said. This condition, which results in a small hole between the cartilage separating the two nostrils and includes side effects such as bleeding and nasal discharge, has been reported in seven patients taking the drug. Genentech is currently seeking FDA approval for Avastin as a treatment for advanced lung cancer and breast cancer. ----- Yahoo HealthDay |