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This medication is a man-made antibody (IgG1) used along with chemotherapy to treat patients who have colon and rectal cancer, which has spread to other parts of the body. Bevacizumab is also used along with chemotherapy to treat patients who have lung cancer (non-small cell type). 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.
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Bevacizumab
Uses
This medication is a man-made antibody (IgG1) used along with chemotherapy to treat patients who have colon and rectal cancer, which has spread to other parts of the body. Bevacizumab is also used along with chemotherapy to treat patients who have lung cancer (non-small cell type). 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.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, urine tests for protein, kidney function tests, bilirubin levels, complete blood counts-CBC) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Refrigerate between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
- Do not freeze.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Once mixed, the drug may be stored for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Discard if not used within the 8 hours.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: severe headache.
How To Use
- The first dose of this medication is administered by infusion into a vein over 90 minutes by a health care professional.
- Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids.
- If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.
- Do not shake.
- It is usually given once every 2 weeks.
- If this medication is tolerated, then later infusions can be given over a shorter time (60 or 30 minutes).The dosage is based on your 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.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Side Effects
- Dry mouth, cough, voice changes, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, mouth sores, nausea, headache may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately.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 immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, swelling of ankles/feet, sudden weight gain, fatigue, fainting, fever, persistent sore throat, difficulty urinating.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: calf pain/swelling, muscle cramps.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, frothy urine, muscle loss, decreased amount of urine.Bevacizumab infrequently may cause blood clots to form, leading to serious medical conditions (heart attack/angina, stroke/TIA).
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop chest pain/tightness, sudden vision changes, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, or slurred speech.
- If any of these conditions occur, you should not be given this medication again.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 cause high blood pressure.
- This reaction can be severe enough to require blood pressure treatment.
- Learn to check your blood pressure regularly and report the results to your doctor.Rarely, bevacizumab may cause a condition called RPLS (reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome).
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop persistent headache, seizures, sudden vision changes, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion).A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, severe trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking bevacizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: stomach/intestinal ulcers, recent bloody vomiting, recent major surgery.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, heart disease or blood clots (arterial vessels), kidney disease, brain tumors, lung tumors.Before having any surgery (including dental), tell your doctor that you are taking this medication.
- Bevacizumab has been shown to slow wound healing.
- Do not begin taking this medication until at least 28 days after any major surgery, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without your doctor's consent and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they 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.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Bevacizumab may cause harm to an unborn baby.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- Women of child-bearing age should use an effective form of birth control while using this medication and for an extended period after stopping this drug.
- Discuss the risks, benefits and any other concerns with your doctor.Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk.
- Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended.
- Also, do not breast-feed for extended period after stopping this drug.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist before breast-feeding and if more details are needed.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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