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Bevacizumab (Injection) (Injectable)

(AVASTIN)
Bevacizumab (By injection)
Bevacizumab (be-va-SIZ-yoo-mab)Treats cancer, including colorectal, lung, glioblastoma, kidney, cervical, and ovarian cancer.
Avastin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to bevacizumab.

How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
  • You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
  • Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.


Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.
  • Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
  • Talk with your doctor if you plan to have children. Some women are not able to get pregnant after they have used this medicine. Call your doctor if you do not have a menstrual period for 3 months.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, bleeding problems, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Gastrointestinal perforation (hole in your digestive system)
    • Increased risk for bleeding problems, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
    • High blood pressure
    • Nervous system damage
    • Infusion reaction
  • This medicine may affect the way your body heals. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using it several weeks before and after surgery.
  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Bleeding from your rectum, or black, tarry stools
  • Chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking, pain in your calf
  • Constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
  • Fever, chills, trouble breathing, fainting, or chest pain within a few hours after you receive this medicine
  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
  • Seizures, confusion, unusual drowsiness
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
  • Tingling or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
  • Trouble swallowing, coughing or choking while you eat
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness, nosebleeds
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach upset, change in sense of taste
  • Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088