Bevacizumab is used together with other medicines to treat cancer of the colon (large intestine), rectum, lungs, kidney, cervix, brain, liver, breast and ovary.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Bevacizumab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Bevacizumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Bevacizumab therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Bevacizumab therapy and for 6 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 6 months after your final dose.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- congestive heart failure (weakness and inability to pump blood)
- coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart)
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- history of aneurysm (weakness and bulging of the blood vessel wall)
- history of thromboembolism (blockage of a blood vessel due to a blood clot)
- kidney disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Bevacizumab to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during and after treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of toxic effects in the kidneys, heart or digestive tract may also be needed.
Bevacizumab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, generalised weakness or lack of energy, back pain, muscle pain, and dry skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of severe lung problems e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- signs and symptoms of heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- slow or poor wound healing
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for cancer e.g. sunitinib
- medicines for osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bevacizumab.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Bevacizumab to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Bevacizumab is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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