Avastin injections

[Eyechat]

When I read these posts, I always see that everyone is mostly getting eyelaya injections. I have always have had Avastin Injections. I had an injection two weeks ago and ever since have had a terrible bout of diarrhea and stomach upset. I am wondering if anyone else has had this experience? When I look it up online it says that it is a side effect of this drug. I called my Retina Specialist today and he said that Avastin would not do that. I am not on any drugs and I can’t see any reason that this would happen. Has anyone else had a similar situation?

[oldoakowl]

I've always had Avastin. I believe ocular injections are "off-label" e.g. not what the drug is made for. It is used along with chemotherapy to starve cancer tumors of blood. Side effects are listed for that application.

When it's injected into the eye, it can't leave and any side effects would occur within the eye.

I think you probably had food poisoning, which you can get from food that smells and tastes fine. Not a fun thing to have - thank goodness it doesn't last all that long. Last time I got it I ended up in the hospital because I was dehydrated and my blood pressure was dangerously low. I couldn't keep even a sip of water down.

[oldoakowl]

Oops, I am sorry, I didn't read your question carefully enough. Food poisoning is usually over in less than a day and causes vomiting as well.

I still think there is no way that intraocular injections could cause the symptoms you have. I would call your doctor and see what they think. You could be given a prescription medicine that would treat your symptoms right away.

CAn you let us know what happens?

[maryparry]

Hi there. I had avastin at first for a few months, then lucentis and then eyelea. I think avastin is the same thing as the others. I had no side effects and wonder if it might be coincidental.

[StokeySue]

I've had Avastin repeatedly over a 10 year period, never had gastrointestinal effects or heard of them; it's quite unlikely with an intraocular injection, the side effects mainly happen when it is given into the blood stream e.g. for kidney disease

To be hones, it's peak norovirus season, and if I were betting I'd put my money on you having picked up norovirus, possibly in a clinic washroom or on transport or from a child you have been in contact with, rather than the Avastin. I understand it's bad this year, as we've all lost immunity during lockdown

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Eyechat,

The issue is whether the 2 events were due to a correlation, or whether there was a causal link. There are many causes of stomach upsets. As the ophthalmologist does not seem concerned, the other thing to do would be to consult with a general doctor, but at this stage, it may not be possible to identify the cause. However, it is important that you have your injections. If the situation occurs again after another injection, then obviously it is more likely that there is a correlation.

Kind regards,

Rosalyn

Macular Society Advice and Information Service

Email: [e-mail]

[Eyechat]

Thank you all!

[kevinaki]

Impossible....