avastin or bevacizumab FAQ

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a natural substance that tells the body to form new blood vessels. This increases blood supply to cells and tissues, which helps with growth. Some cancers make a lot of VEGF. Bevacizumab blocks VEGF. This reduces the growth and spread of the cancer, by reducing the cancer’s blood supply.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if bevacizumab is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

While less common, the most serious side effects of bevacizumab are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Bevacizumab may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using bevacizumab and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

If you or someone else has used too much bevacizumab, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

There isn’t a dose calculator for Avastin. But the manufacturer does offer dosing information for healthcare professionals. A healthcare professional may use a dose calculator to calculate your dose of a medication such as Avastin. If you have questions about your Avastin dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide more information on how your dose is determined. The Avastin dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

Bevacizumab is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving bevacizumab as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your bevacizumab dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Avastin isn’t approved by the FDA to be used as an intravitreal injection. (With intravitreal injection, the drug is injected into your eye.) However, Avastin may be given off-label as an intravitreal injection to treat certain eye problems. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition. If you’re interested in learning more about off-label uses of Avastin, including intravitreal dosages, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The most common side effects of bevacizumab are listed below. Side effects may vary based on why you are using bevacizumab. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Avastin may be prescribed for eye problems, such as macular edema. However, the drug isn’t approved for these uses. Avastin may be prescribed off-label to treat these conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition. Some other eye problems Avastin may be prescribed off-label to treat include: If you’re interested in learning more about off-label uses of Avastin, including dosages for these uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

There are no known interactions between bevacizumab and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bevacizumab, but both bevacizumab and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

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Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you have used or are using an anthracycline, such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, or epirubicin, which is a medicine used to treat certain cancers before using bevacizumab. This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with bevacizumab. Always check with your health care provider.

Bevacizumab is an intravenous (IV) or injectable medicine that you will receive at a hospital or clinic. People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from bevacizumab. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Bevacizumab is commonly used to treat certain types of the following cancers.

Bevacizumab is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use bevacizumab.