Bevacizumab Intravenous

Name: Bevacizumab Intravenous

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

  • Avastin

Available Dosage Forms:

  • Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody

Proper Use of bevacizumab

You will receive bevacizumab while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you bevacizumab. bevacizumab is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Bevacizumab is often given together with other cancer medicines. If you are using a combination of medicines, make sure that you take each one at the proper time and do not mix them. Ask your doctor to help you plan a way to remember to take your medicines at the right times.

bevacizumab Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common
  • Black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • body aches or pain
  • burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • chills
  • cloudy urine
  • convulsions
  • cough
  • cracks in the skin
  • decreased urine output
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • dilated neck veins
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • ear congestion
  • extreme fatigue
  • fever
  • irregular breathing
  • irregular heartbeat
  • lack or loss of strength
  • lightheadedness
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of heat from the body
  • loss of voice
  • mood changes
  • nasal congestion
  • nervousness
  • pain
  • pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • pounding in the ears
  • rapid breathing
  • redness
  • runny nose
  • sensation of pins and needles
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • sore throat
  • sores on the skin
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • stabbing pain
  • sunken eyes
  • sweating
  • swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
  • swelling or inflammation of the mouth
  • swollen glands
  • thirst
  • tightness in the chest
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • watery or bloody diarrhea
  • weight gain
  • wrinkled skin
  • yellow skin
Less common
  • Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
  • bone pain
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • fainting
  • severe constipation
  • severe vomiting
Rare
  • Back pain
  • blisters
  • blurred vision
  • coma
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • increased thirst
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • open sores
  • pale skin
Incidence not known
  • Bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds
  • hoarseness
  • sudden weakness in the arms or legs
  • sudden, severe chest pain
  • voice changes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common
  • Acid or sour stomach
  • belching
  • bloody nose
  • change in taste or bad unusual or unpleasant (after) taste
  • change in walking and balance
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • excess flow of tears
  • hair loss
  • heartburn
  • indigestion
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
  • thinning of the hair
  • weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: sunitinib.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe headache.

Notes

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.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.

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