Avastin

Uses of Avastin

This medication is a man-made antibody (IgG1) used to treat various types of cancer. 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.

Precautions and Warnings

Avastin can make it easier for you to bleed. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop. You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body.

Call your doctor if you have: signs of bleeding in your digestive tract–feeling very weak or dizzy, severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or signs of bleeding in the brain–sudden numbness or weakness, slurred speech, severe headache, problems with vision or balance.

Avastin can also cause problems with wound healing, which could result in bleeding or infection. Do not use Avastin within 28 days before or after a planned surgery.

Bevacizumab can cause a rare but serious neurologic disorder affecting the brain. Symptoms include headache, confusion, vision problems, feeling very weak or tired, 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 an Avastin injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your medical 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.

Dosage

Your exact dosage of Avastin depends on the condition you’re using the drug to treat. It also depends on your body weight.

You’ll likely receive an infusion of Avastin once every 2 or 3 weeks. Your doctor will explain how many doses of Avastin you’ll receive and how long the treatment will likely last.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• High blood pressure
• Too much protein in the urine
• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding
• Back pain
• Headache
• Taste change
• Dry skin
• Inflammation of the skin
• Inflammation of the nose
• Watery eyes