Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Bevacizumab
Other Names: Avastin
Drug Class: Monoclonal Antibodies
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Avastin? (Back to top)
BEVACIZUMAB is a chemotherapy drug. It targets a protein found in many cancer cell types, and halts cancer growth. This drug treats many cancers including non-small cell lung cancer, colon or rectal cancer, and breast cancer. It is usually given with other chemotherapy drugs. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood clots
• heart disease, including heart failure, heart attack, or chest pain (angina)
• high blood pressure
• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• kidney disease
• lung disease
• prior chemotherapy with doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, or other anthracycline type chemotherapy agents
• recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• recent surgery
• stroke
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bevacizumab, hamster proteins, mouse proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, nosebleeds
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• chest pain
• confusion
• mouth sores
• seizures
• severe abdominal pain
• severe headache
• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
• swelling of legs or ankles
• symptoms of a stroke: change in mental awareness, inability to talk or move one side of the body (especially in patients with lung cancer)
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• trouble speaking or understanding
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work and urine testing done while you are taking this medicine.

During your treatment, let your health care professional know if you have any unusual symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.

This medicine may rarely cause 'gastrointestinal perforation' (holes in the stomach, intestines or colon), a serious side effect requiring surgery to repair.

This medicine should be started at least 28 days following major surgery and the site of the surgery should be totally healed. Check with your doctor before scheduling dental work or surgery while you are receiving this treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have recently had surgery or if you have a wound that has not healed.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:July 10, 2008

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