Nasal septum perforation is when the cartilage of the nasal septum develops holes. Capillaries are small blood vessels.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Avastin for the treatment of colon or rectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Genentech, the drug's manufacturer, informed doctors and the FDA about the label change in a letter.
The letter describes reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) as "a neurological disorder which can present with headache, seizure, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurologic disturbances."
The syndrome is associated with the capillary leaks. Genentech said that patients who develop RPLS should discontinue their use of Avastin and begin treatment for high blood pressure.
Genentech said, "Symptoms usually resolve or improve within days, although some patients have experienced ongoing neurologic sequelae [problems]."
The letter states that "cases of confirmed and possible RPLS have been reported in Avastin clinical studies and postmarketing experience at a rate of less than 0.1%."
