In brief.

Australian Doctor,  February, 2007  

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Brad McLean

EYE DRUG STROKE CONCERN

NOVARTIS is warning doctors about differences in the risk of stroke between patients on high and low doses of its age-related macular degeneration drug.

Interim data from an ongoing trial showed a 1.2% rate of stroke in patients on 0.5mg of ranibizumab (Lucentis) compared with a stroke rate of 0.3% in patients using the 0.3mg dose.

A Novartis spokeswoman said overall the rates of stroke were not higher than those found in the general population of a similar age and profile.

However, the firm will notify ophthalmologists who access ...

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