Avastin

Generic Name: bevacizumab (bev a CIZ oo mab)

What is Avastin?

Avastin is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth of cancer cells by blocking the formation and growth of new blood vessels in the tumor which slows their growth.

Avastin is used to treat a certain type of brain tumor as well as cancers of the kidney, colon, rectum, lung, or breast. It is usually given as part of a combination of cancer medicines.

Avastin may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Important information Avastin

Avoid having surgery while you are being treated with Avastin. You may have problems with wound healing, which could result in bleeding or infection.

If you need to have any type of surgery, you will need to stop receiving Avastin for at least 4 weeks while your surgical incision heals.

Before being treated with Avastin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of stroke or blood clots, or an open wound.

Some people receiving a Avastin injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, itchy, or have a fast heartbeat, chills, wheezing, or chest pain during the injection.

Call your doctor at once if you have serious side effects such as blood in your stools or vomit, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden headache or confusion, problems with vision or speech, chest pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, shortness of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain, or flu symptoms.

Avastin can cause a rare but serious neurologic disorder affecting the brain. Symptoms include headache, confusion, vision problems, feeling light-headed, fainting, and seizure (blackout or convulsions). These rare symptoms may occur within hours of your first dose of Avastin, or they may not appear for up to a year after your treatment started. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects.

To be sure Avastin 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.

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

Before using Avastin

Treatment with Avastin may cause you to have problems with wound healing, which could result in bleeding or infection. Before receiving Avastin, 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 Avastin.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Avastin. Before this medicine, tell your doctor if you have:/p>

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).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Avastin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Avastin 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 Avastin.

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

How is Avastin used?

Avastin 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.

Avastin 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.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment to receive your Avastin infusion.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. An overdose of Avastin may cause a severe headache.

What should I avoid while using Avastin?

Avoid having surgery while you are being treated with Avastin. You could have problems with wound healing, which may result in bleeding or infection.

If you need to have any type of surgery, you will need to stop receiving Avastin for at least 4 weeks while your surgical incision heals.

Avastin side effects

Avastin can cause a rare but serious neurologic disorder affecting the brain. Symptoms include headache, confusion, vision problems, feeling light-headed, fainting, and seizure (blackout or convulsions). These rare symptoms may occur within hours of your first dose of Avastin, or they may not appear for up to a year after your treatment started. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects.

Some people receiving a Avastin injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, itchy, or have a fast heartbeat, chills, wheezing, or chest pain during the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

stomach pain with vomiting or constipation;

black, bloody, or tarry stools;

vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;

sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

swelling or rapid weight gain;

feeling like you might pass out;

urinating less than usual or not at all;

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

unusual bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or any bleeding that will not stop; or

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Less serious Avastin side effects may include:

diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

dry mouth, increased thirst;

dizziness; or

hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Avastin?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Avastin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.