Trade name

Avastin^®

What Bevacizumab is and what it is used for?

• Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets to the protein called endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby inhibiting the binding of VEGF to its receptors. As a result, bevacizumab prevents the growth of the new blood vessels, thereby reducing oxygen and nutrients to the tumor. This can interfere with cancer cell growth and expansion.
• Bevacizumab can be given alone or with other medicines to treat many cancer. It is used for the treatment of:

1. Colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
2. Non-squamous and non-small cell lung cancer.
3. Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
4. Kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
5. Glioblastoma
6. Cervical cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
7. Ovarian cancer.

How Bevacizumab is given?

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over 30- 90 minutes.

What should I know while receiving Bevacizumab?

• An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever and chills, breathing difficulties, swelling of throat or face, or hives. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• Do not breastfeed and for 6 months after treatment ends.
• Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will be checked regularly by your doctor. The timing and dosing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using bevacizumab. You may need to stop this drug at least 28 days before surgery and may be restarted based on adequate wound healing.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of bevacizumab. Let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have heart, liver or kidney problems, or have any unhealed wounds.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Change in blood sugar level

If you have diabetes, this drug may worse your condition. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar and may prescribe medications if necessary.

• High blood pressure

Tell your doctor if you have problems with blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and may prescribe medications if necessary. Seek medical help at once if you suddenly hit with a severe headache or have blurred vision.

• Fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Mouth sores

Your doctor can give you medicines that help you ease the discomfort. Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.

• Headache

Tell your doctor if this happens. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking any pain relievers.

• Protein in the urine

This is more common in patients receiving combination therapy. This condition means your kidney is not working well. Talk to the doctor if you have persistently bubbly or foamy urine.

• Generalized pain

Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicine to help ease pain.

Less common side effects

• Skin rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Nausea

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Swelling of lower legs or hands

Tell your doctor if your hands, arms, legs, or feet feel puffy or tender. The doctor may give medicines to reduce your symptoms and suggest ways to prevent fluid buildup.

• Delayed wound healing

Be careful when using sharp objects. Talk to your doctor if you have an unhealed wound or have any wound problems.

• Bleeding risk

Bevacizumab can increase the risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if any unusual bleeding occurs or if you find unexplained nosebleed or have blood in the sputum.

Rare but serious side effects

• Arterial thrombotic events

Bevacizumab can cause blood clots in your arteries. It is rare but can lead to serious conditions, including heart attack or stroke. The doctor would stop your treatment if a patient develops a severe blood clot in the arteries.

• Bleeding in the digestive tract

Rarely, bevacizumab can cause a hole in digestive tract. Seek medical help at once if you have severe pain or cramps in the abdomen, blood or tarry stools, throwing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

More Information

• There are many drugs may affect how bevacizumab works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.