WHAT
IS AVASTIN INJECTION?
Avastin (bevacizumab) is a cancer medicine that
interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
USES OF AVASTIN INJECTION:
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.
POSSIBLE
SIDE EFFECTS:
See also Warning section. Dry, cough,
voice changes, loss of
appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, mouth
sores, nausea, and headache may occur. If any of these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Remember that
your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that
the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using
this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any serious side effects, including: trouble breathing,
swelling of ankles/feet, sudden weight gain, unusual tiredness, fast
heartbeat, fainting, signs of infection.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS MAY
INCLUDE:
Symptoms of a severe infusion reaction that may occur
during bevacizumab treatment include difficulty breathing, flushing, severe
dizziness, nausea/vomiting, shaking, or chest pain. Tell your healthcare
professional if you have any of these symptoms during your treatment. Your
doctor will monitor you closely and will temporarily stop your treatment if a
reaction occurs. Bevacizumab infrequently may cause blood clots to
form, leading to serious medical conditions (heart
attack/angina, stroke/TIA). Seek immediate medical attention if you
develop chest pain/tightness, sudden vision changes, weakness on one side
of the body, confusion, or slurred speech. If any of these conditions occur,
you should not be given this medication again. This medication can cause
bleeding. Some episodes may be minor including nosebleeds, minor gum bleeding,
and vaginal bleeding. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
DRUGS PRECAUTIONS:
Before using bevacizumab, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using
this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,
especially of: stomach/intestinal ulcers, bleeding problems (such as recent
bloody vomiting or coughing up blood), recent major surgery, recent
injuries/wounds, high blood pressure, heart disease or blood
clots (such as heart attack, stroke), kidney disease, diabetes.
Before having surgery or any medical procedure, tell your doctor or dentist
about all the products you use (including prescription drugs,
non-prescription drugs, and herbal products).
DRUGS 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/non-prescription drugs and herbal
products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Does not start, stop,
or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some
products that may interact with this drug include: sunitinib.