Avastin (Bevacizumab) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 25, 2012

Avastin

Colon Cancer »

Colon cancer facts

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in males and fourth in females in the U.S.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include heredity, colon polyps, and long-standing ulcerative colitis.
Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Removal of colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.
Colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms. Therefore regular screening is important.
Diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be made by barium enema or by colonoscopy with biopsy confirmation of cancer tissue.
Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread, as well as the age and health of the patient.
Surgery is the most c...

Read the Colon Cancer article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Avastin User Reviews >>

Avastin

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

font size

Avastin Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

BEVACIZUMAB - INJECTION

(BE-va-SIZ-oo-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Avastin

WARNING: This medication can rarely cause a tear in the stomach/intestines (gastrointestinal perforation and wound dehiscence), bloody vomit, or bleeding in the lungs, which sometimes can be fatal. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: severe stomach/abdominal pain, constipation with vomiting, fever, black/bloody stools, blood in vomit, or coughing up blood.

Tell your surgeon that you are taking this medication before having any type of surgery (see also Precautions section).

USES: This medication is a man-made antibody (IgG1) used to treat kidney, colon, and rectal cancer. Bevacizumab is also used to treat lung cancer (non-small cell type) and certain types of brain tumors. Also, cancer experts say that bevacizumab can be of benefit in treating breast cancer, however the FDA says that the risks outweigh the benefits for that disease. If you have breast cancer, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of bevacizumab. This drug works by blocking a certain protein (vascular endothelial growth factor-VEGF) thereby decreasing the blood supply to the tumor and slowing tumor growth.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by infusion into a vein by a health care professional. The first dose is usually given over 90 minutes. If you tolerate the first dose well, then later infusions may be given over a shorter time (60 or 30 minutes).

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to previous therapy, and your weight. Tell your doctor if your weight changes.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Try not to miss any doses.