An Avastin knockoff administered in China has produced infections and allergic reactions in 61 of 116 patients who were being given the cancer drug as a treatment for eye disease.
The Roche drug counterfeit was administered at the Shanghai No. 1 People's Hospital earlier this month. After the injections, some patients experienced eye inflammation and poor vision. Seventeen who had severe reactions required surgery. The rest received injections to treat the infections, Shanghai Daily says.
Tests by Shanghai officials and Roche confirmed the drug was a fake. Non-sterility may have been the cause of adverse reactions, Securing Pharma says. The hospital has compensated victims with about $300.
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