Avastin (Bevacizumab) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

May 25, 2012

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...

Avastin

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Advise patients:

To undergo routine blood pressure monitoring and to contact their health care provider if blood pressure is elevated.
To immediately contact their health care provider for unusual bleeding, high fever, rigors, sudden onset of worsening neurological function, or persistent or severe abdominal pain, severe constipation, or vomiting.
Of increased risk of wound healing complications during and following Avastin.
Of increased risk of an arterial thromboembolic event.
Of the potential risk to the fetus during and following Avastin and the need to continue adequate contraception for at least 6 months following last dose of Avastin.
Of the increased risk for ovarian failure following Avastin treatment.