uses
What is bevacizumab used for?Bevacizumab is commonly used to treat certain types of the following cancers.ColonNon-small-cell lung cancerKidneyCervicalOvarianFallopian tubeLining of the abdomenLiverGlioblastoma (a type of brain cancer)Bevacizumab may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does bevacizumab work (mechanism of action)?Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a natural substance that tells the body to form new blood vessels. This increases blood supply to cells and tissues, which helps with growth. Some cancers make a lot of VEGF. Bevacizumab blocks VEGF. This reduces the growth and spread of the cancer, by reducing the cancer’s blood supply.How is bevacizumab supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesAlymsysAvastinAvziviMvasiVegzelmaZirabevDosage forms and strengthsBevacizumab is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.How should I store bevacizumab?Bevacizumab is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does bevacizumab interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between bevacizumab and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bevacizumab, but both bevacizumab and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.Does bevacizumab interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you have used or are using an anthracycline, such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, or epirubicin, which is a medicine used to treat certain cancers before using bevacizumab.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with bevacizumab. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of bevacizumab?The most common side effects of bevacizumab are listed below. Side effects may vary based on why you are using bevacizumab. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Bleeding (see below)HeadacheIncreased blood pressure (see below)Runny noseKidney damage (see below)Change in how things tasteSkin changes, such as dry, red, scaly, or peeling skinChanges in the amount of tears your body makesBack painThere may be other side effects of bevacizumab that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of bevacizumab?While less common, the most serious side effects of bevacizumab are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Bevacizumab may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using bevacizumab and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painTear or Tunnel in the Gut. Bevacizumab can increase your risk of fistulas (tunnels between organs in your body) and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk may be higher with certain types of cancers or if you had radiation treatment to your belly. Stop using bevacizumab and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.High fever or shaking chillsSevere constipation or or vomitingStomach pain that is severe or doesn’t go awayFeeling faintVomiting bloodBlack or tarry poopBleeding. Bevacizumab can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some patients with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while using bevacizumab.Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)Vomit with blood that looks like coffee groundsRed or black stools (looks like tar)Coughing up blood or blood clotsSudden weakness on one side of your bodySudden and severe headacheSlurred speech or trouble understanding speechSerious nosebleedsVaginal bleedingBlood Clots. Bevacizumab may cause blood clots in your veins or arteries and could cause venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, heart attack, or a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Stop using bevacizumab and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. Chest pain or pressureFast or abnormal heartbeatTrouble breathingPain in your back, jaw, throat, or armSweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizzinessSudden weakness on one side of your bodySudden and severe headacheSlurred speech or trouble understanding speechPain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or legVision lossBulging eyes Double visionWound Healing Issues. Bevacizumab can make it difficult for your body to heal from wounds, such as injuries or surgeries. These can sometimes be severe, including necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier’s gangrene). Tell your health care provider if you have any planned or emergency surgeries or if you have any injuries or wounds that are not healing while using bevacizumab.Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Bevacizumab may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Keep all appointments so your blood pressure can be monitored. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Bevacizumab may cause a rare but serious brain condition called PRES. Symptoms can start within one hour to one year after a dose of bevacizumab. PRES involves swelling and narrowing of blood vessels in your brain. If PRES is not treated, it can lead to a stroke. Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms of PRES.Changes in thinking or behaviorConfusion or hallucinationsSudden decrease or change in visionSudden severe headacheSeizuresKidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using bevacizumab. This damage can cause you to have protein in your pee. Follow your health care provider’s instructions to check for protein in your pee. Keep any appointments for lab work while you are using bevacizumab. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a certain type of kidney damage called nephrotic syndrome.Reduced need to peeSwelling in your face, hands, feet, ankles, or legsWeakness or unusual tirednessDifficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressureConfusionNauseaSeizuresInfusion Reactions. Bevacizumab can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion.High blood pressureTrouble breathing, shortness of breath, wheezingSevere allergic reactionsChest painHeadacheShaking chillsSweatingVision changesSeizuresFertility Problems. Bevacizumab may damage your ovaries. This can make it difficult for you to get pregnant. It is not known if your ability to get pregnant will come back after you stop using bevacizumab. Talk to your health care provider about your fertility if you have concerns. Heart Failure. Bevacizumab may increase your risk of heart failure. Your risk may be higher if you were previously treated with a certain type of chemotherapy, known as an anthracycline. Examples of an anthracycline include daunorubicin, doxorubicin, or epirubicin. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying downSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsUnusually fast weight gainUnusual tiredness
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much bevacizumab?If you or someone else has used too much bevacizumab, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of bevacizumab?Bevacizumab is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving bevacizumab as scheduled.If you miss an appointment to get your bevacizumab dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use bevacizumab?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use bevacizumab.BevacizumabAlymsysAvastinAvziviMvasiVegzelmaZirabevAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bevacizumab products they stock.What should I know about bevacizumab before using it?Bevacizumab is an intravenous (IV) or injectable medicine that you will receive at a hospital or clinic. People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from bevacizumab. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.What should I tell my health care provider before using bevacizumab?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if bevacizumab is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Ovarian cancer with gut involvementIntestinal problems, including a gut blockageCurrent or recently healed woundsRecent or upcoming surgeryVariceal bleeding in the last six months, untreated or incompletely treated varices with bleedingHigh risk of bleedingRecently vomited bloodStroke or mini-strokeAngina Heart problems like heart failure or a heart attackDiabetesHigh blood pressureHad posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)Previous blood clotOther Medicines and Supplements. Bevacizumab may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using bevacizumab, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Bevacizumab may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are, think you are, or plan to become pregnant. You should use effective birth control while using bevacizumab and for six months after your last dose.Breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while using bevacizumab and for six months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
about
Bevacizumab is used to treat several kinds of cancer. It reduces blood flow to the cancer to limit growth and spread. Common side effects include rash, changes in how things taste, bleeding, and headache. Notify your health care provider right away if your vision changes, you get confused, or your blood pressure goes up.