Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
- Eating Out? Cut Calories, Heartburn
- 5 Good Ways to Save Money on Medicine
- 8 Ways to Treat Your Allergies
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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get the latest treatment options.