BEVACIZUMAB - INJECTION

BEVACIZUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (BE-va-SIZ-oo-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Avastin

GENERIC NAME(S): bevacizumab

Uses

USES: This medication is a man-made antibody (IgG1) used to treat kidney, cervical, ovarian, colon, and rectal cancer. Bevacizumab is also used to treat lung cancer (non-small cell type), certain types of brain tumors, and cancer found in the fallopian tube or lining of the abdominal wall (peritoneal). 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 BEVACIZUMAB - INJECTION

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.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Dry mouth, cough, voice changes, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, mouth sores, nausea, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist right away. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast heartbeat, symptoms of heart failure (such as swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain), signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), muscle cramps, muscle loss, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, difficulty urinating, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, frothy urine). Symptoms of a severe infusion reaction that may occur during bevacizumab treatment include difficulty breathing, flushing, severe dizziness, nausea/vomiting, shaking, or chest pain. Tell your healthcare professional if you have any of these symptoms during your treatment. Your doctor will monitor you closely and will temporarily stop your treatment if a reaction occurs. Bevacizumab may rarely cause blood clots (such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you have a history of blood clots, heart/blood vessel disease, or if you are immobile (such as on very long plane flights or being bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also increase your risk. Before using this medication, if you have any of these conditions report them to your doctor or pharmacist. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes. This medication can cause bleeding. Some episodes may be minor including nosebleeds, minor gum bleeding, and vaginal bleeding. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Other episodes may be more serious including stomach bleeding or bleeding in the lungs (see also Warning section). This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Your doctor may control your blood pressure with medication. Rarely, bevacizumab may cause a condition called PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). Get medical help right away if you develop persistent headache, seizures, sudden vision changes, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion). This medication may affect the ovaries, possibly reducing fertility and causing hormone changes. Talk to your doctor for more details. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning and Side Effects sections. Before using bevacizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal ulcers, bleeding problems (such as recent bloody vomiting or coughing up blood), recent major surgery, recent injuries/wounds, high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes. Before having surgery or any medical procedure, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Bevacizumab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects (e.g., blood clots, kidney effects such as protein in the urine). See also Side Effects section. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Women of child-bearing age should use reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 6 months after stopping treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: sunitinib.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe headache.

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Faq for BEVACIZUMAB - INJECTION

Bevacizumab is a medication that is used to treat certain types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, kidney, and ovarian cancer. It works by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tumor, thereby slowing down the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Bevacizumab is typically given as an injection into a vein (intravenous) by a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting. The dosage and frequency of the injections will depend on the specific type of cancer being treated.

Common side effects of Bevacizumab may include high blood pressure, headache, nosebleeds, mouth sores, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. It is important to inform your doctor about any side effects experienced during treatment.

Yes, Bevacizumab may cause serious side effects such as bleeding or blood clots, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, bowel perforation, and impaired wound healing. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

Bevacizumab is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. It is also advised to avoid breastfeeding while receiving Bevacizumab due to the potential risks to the nursing infant. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

The duration of Bevacizumab treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration based on your individual circumstances. Treatment may be given for several months or longer.

Yes, Bevacizumab is often used in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy drugs to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Your healthcare provider will design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Bevacizumab Injection is used to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, brain, kidney, and ovarian cancer. It works by slowing down the growth of new blood vessels that nourish cancer cells.

Bevacizumab Injection is administered as an infusion (intravenous) into a vein. It is usually given once every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of cancer being treated.

Common side effects of Bevacizumab Injection may include high blood pressure, nosebleeds, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and tiredness. Serious side effects such as severe bleeding or blood clots may also occur but are less common.

Bevacizumab Injection should not be used by individuals who are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It is also not recommended for pregnant women, as it may harm the unborn baby.

Bevacizumab Injection may interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins.

Insurance coverage for Bevacizumab Injection may vary depending on the specific insurance plan. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to determine the coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

The duration of Bevacizumab Injection treatment varies depending on the type of cancer being treated. It is usually given as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, or other chemotherapy drugs.

Bevacizumab Injection is not a cure for cancer. It is used to slow down the growth of cancer cells and may help to extend survival in certain cases. It is important to consult with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of Bevacizumab Injection for your specific condition.

Bevacizumab Injection is generally not recommended for use in children, as its safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. However, there may be exceptions in certain cases, and a pediatric oncologist should be consulted.


Warning

WARNING: This medication can rarely cause a tear in the stomach/intestines (gastrointestinal perforation). It may also increase the risk of serious (possibly fatal) bleeding, such as bleeding from the stomach/intestines or in the brain. You should not receive this medication if you have any serious bleeding problems. Get medical help right away if you have any signs of these serious side effects, including bloody or black/tarry stools, persistent or severe stomach/abdominal pain, constipation with vomiting, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, dizziness/fainting, unusual or persistent tiredness/weakness, severe headache, fever. This medication may also cause wounds to heal slowly or poorly or cause the wounds to break open. It can also rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) skin and tissue infections that spread quickly. Get medical help right away if you have wounds that are not healing well, a fever, severe pain/redness/heat/swelling at the surgery site or other areas on the skin, fluid-filled blisters in the skin, discolored/scaling/peeling skin, confusion, dizziness, or fainting. You should not receive this medication for at least 4 weeks before and after a major surgery and until the wound from the surgery is fully healed.


Disclaimer

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.