avastin

Avastin (bevacizumab) is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Avastin is used to treat a certain type of brain tumor, and certain types of cancers of the kidney, lung, colon, rectum, cervix, ovary, or fallopian tube.

Avastin is also used to treat cancer of the membrane lining the internal organs in your abdomen. It is usually given as part of a combination of cancer medicines.

Important information

Avastin can make it easier for you to bleed. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop. You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body, such as in your stomach or intestines, or in your brain.

Call your doctor at once if you have: signs of bleeding in your digestive tract-- feeling very weak or dizzy, severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or signs of bleeding in the brain--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, or problems with vision or balance.

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

Avastin 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 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.

Avastin may cause a woman"s ovaries to stop working correctly. Symptoms of ovarian failure include 3 or more missed menstrual periods in a row. This may affect your fertility (ability to have children). Talk to your doctor about your specific risks.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Avastin if you are allergic to bevacizumab, or:

• if you have slow healing of a skin wound or surgical incision;

• if you have had surgery within the past 4 weeks (28 days);

• if you have recently been coughing up blood; or

• if you plan to have surgery within the next 4 weeks (28 days).

To make sure Avastin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; or

• a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

It is not known whether Avastin will harm an unborn baby. In animal studies, Bevacizumab caused birth defects. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.

Avastin may cause a woman"s ovaries to stop working correctly. Symptoms of ovarian failure include 3 or more missed menstrual periods in a row. This may affect your fertility (ability to have children). Talk to your doctor about your specific risks.

It is not known whether bevacizumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are being treated with Avastin.

How is Avastin given?

Avastin is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Some people receiving a Avastin injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregivers if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, or have a headache, shortness of breath, or chest pain during the injection.

Avastin is usually given once every 2 weeks.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Protein levels in your urine may also need to be tested.

Avastin can cause 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 at least 28 days ahead of time. Do not start using Avastin for at least 28 days after surgery, or until your surgical incision heals.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Avastin injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Avastin?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Avastin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Avastin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Avastin can make it easier for you to bleed. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have:

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, rectum), or any bleeding that will not stop;

• signs of bleeding in your digestive tract--severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• signs of bleeding in the brain--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, problems with vision or balance.

Avastin can cause a rare but serious neurologic disorder affecting the brain. Symptoms may occur within hours of your first dose, or they may not appear for up to a year after your treatment started. Call your doctor at once if you have extreme weakness or tiredness, headache, confusion, vision problems, fainting, or seizure (blackout or convulsions).

Some people receiving Avastin have developed a fistula (an abnormal passageway) within the throat, lungs, gallbladder, kidney, bladder, or vagina. Call your doctor if you have: chest pain and trouble breathing, stomach pain or swelling, urine leakage, or if you feel like you are choking and gagging when you eat or drink.

Also call your doctor if you have:

• fever, chills, vomiting, and constipation;

• swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough;

• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;

• chest tightness or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• missed menstrual periods;

• signs of any skin infection--sudden redness, warmth, swelling, or oozing, or any skin wound or surgical incision that will not heal; or

• dangerously high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

Common Avastin side effects may include:

• nosebleed, rectal bleeding;

• increased blood pressure;

• mild or occasional headache;

• runny nose, sneezing;

• dry or watery eyes;

• dry or flaky skin;

• changes in your sense of taste; or

• back pain.

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.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Avastin?

Other drugs may interact with bevacizumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.