Avastin (Bevacizumab) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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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...

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Avastin Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bevacizumab (Avastin)?

Treatment with bevacizumab may cause you to have problems with wound healing, which could result in bleeding or infection. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have had any type of surgery within the past 4 weeks. You may need to wait until your incision is completely healed before you are treated with bevacizumab.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before receiving bevacizumab, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
a history of stroke or blood clots;
if you have an open wound; or
if you are receiving chemotherapy or medications to prevent anemia (lack of red blood cells).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bevacizumab is harmful to an unborn baby. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether bevacizumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

Bevacizumab can affect a woman's fertility (ability to have children). Talk to your doctor about your specific risks.

How is bevacizumab used (Avastin)?

This medication is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Bevacizumab is usually given once every 2 weeks.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood pressure will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your urine may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Bevacizumab must be stored in a refrigerator and kept from freezing. Bevacizumab bottles should never be shaken.

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