Bevacizumab
About Bevacizumab
Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat metastatic breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, cervical cancer, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, cancer of colon and rectum. Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. Cancer can start in one region of the body and spread to other parts. This is referred to as metastasis.
Bevacizumab contains 'Bevacizumab' that works against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is found on the lining of lymph and blood vessels. VEGF causes blood vessels to grow within tumours which provide oxygen and nutrients to the tumour. Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor limits the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tumour, causing it to shrink or cease developing. Thus, it helps treat cancers.
Bevacizumab will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Based on your medical condition, your doctor will decide the dose and duration. In some cases, Bevacizumab may cause loss of appetite, constipation, fever, nosebleeds, change in speech, and taste. The majority of these side effects do not require medical treatment and fade away with time. However, consult your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen
Avoid taking Bevacizumab if you are pregnant. Use effective contraception during the treatment and for 6months after the last dose. Bevacizumab may cause sleepiness and fainting, so avoid driving while on treatment with Bevacizumab. Do not breastfeed during the treatment and for 6months after the last dose of Bevacizumab. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medicines you take to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Bevacizumab
Medicinal Benefits
Bevacizumab contains Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat metastatic breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, cervical cancer, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, cancer of colon and rectum. Bevacizumab works against a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition limits the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tumour cells, causing them to shrink or cease developing. Thus, it helps treat cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Bevacizumab
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Nose bleeds
- Change in speech
- Change in taste
- Voice changes/hoarseness
- Loss of body weight
Drug Warnings
Bevacizumab should only be taken under medical supervision. While taking Bevacizumab, the doctor will monitor your condition on a regular basis. If you have a history of allergic reactions to Bevacizumab or other medications, inform your doctor before taking it. Avoid taking Bevacizumab if you are pregnant. Use effective contraception during the treatment and for 6months after the last dose. Bevacizumab may cause sleepiness and fainting, so avoid driving while on treatment with Bevacizumab. Inform your doctor if you have/had high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, bleeding problems, stomach/intestinal bleeding, perforation; if you had surgery in the past 28days/are due to have surgery. Do not breastfeed during the treatment and for 6months after the last dose of Bevacizumab. While taking Bevacizumab, please do not get any immunizations or vaccinations unless your doctor has approved it. Bevacizumab may increase the risk of bleeding, so be cautious and consult your doctor if you notice any bleeding or bruising.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Bevacizumab may have interaction with a drug used to treat renal and gastrointestinal cancer (sunitinib) and platinum or taxane-based therapies for lung or metastatic breast cancer. Inform your doctor if you have recently received, or are receiving, radiotherapy.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking Bevacizumab.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have/had infections, bleeding disorders, fistula formation (an abnormal connection between two body parts), GI perforation, hypertension, PRES (Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome), proteinuria (abnormal quantities of protein in the urine), and thromboembolic disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Bevacizumab. It could lead to unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeBevacizumab should not be used during pregnancy because it causes harm to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential must use an effective contraception method while taking Bevacizumab and at least six months after the last dose. Please consult your doctor about any concerns regarding this.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 6months after the last dose. This is due to the possibility of the medication being passed on to the infant through breast milk.
Driving
cautionCaution should be exercised when driving or operating machinery because in some cases, Bevacizumab may cause sleepiness and fainting.
Liver
cautionIf you have/had a history of any liver-related diseases, please inform the doctor before taking Bevacizumab. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Bevacizumab.
Kidney
cautionIf you have/had a history of any kidney-related diseases, please inform the doctor before taking Bevacizumab. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Bevacizumab.
Children
unsafeBevacizumab is not recommended for children below 18years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Meditating, reading novels, taking a nice bubble bath, or listening to calming music can all help you relax.
- Yoga can also aid in the improvement of both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by engaging in low-strain workouts on a regular basis and consuming nutritious foods.
- To maintain a healthy weight, eat a portion of nutritious food and exercise on a regular basis.
- Leafy greens, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs should all be part of your daily diet.
- Rest well and get a good night's sleep.
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Fast food, fried foods, processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars should be avoided.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may perform routine blood tests to evaluate your liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count.
- Peripheral blood counts should be closely maintained during the treatment and, if necessary, until recovery.
- Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays (such as tanning booths). Your skin may become sun-sensitive as a result of Bevacizumab.
- Peripheral blood counts should be evaluated on a regular basis throughout Bevacizumab treatment and until full recovery is achieved.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: It is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs. Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body and spreads to other areas. It occurs due to mutations in genes that regulate cell growth. The mutations cause the cells to divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner, leading to tumour formation. The most common cancer treatment methods are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.
FAQs
Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat metastatic breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, cervical cancer, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, cancer of colon and rectum.
Bevacizumab works against a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) limits the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tumour cells, causing them to shrink or cease developing. Thereby, Bevacizumab helps treat cancer.
Bevacizumab may reduce the number of red blood cells leading to anaemia. Its symptoms include pale skin, lack of energy, feeling breathless, feeling dizzy and lightheadedness.
Chemotherapy remains necessary. Bevacizumab is given along with chemotherapy for treating cancer.
Bevacizumab may increase the risk of bleeding and problems with wound healing. If you have had major surgery in the past 28days or if the wound hasn't healed, you should not take Bevacizumab. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Cancer can affect anyone, though the risk increases with age. Individual risk is determined by factors such as smoking and drinking habits, lifestyle choices such as what you eat and exercise; a family history of cancer, and factors in your workplace and environment.
Bevacizumab may increase the incidence of hypertension. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking Bevacizumab if you have high blood pressure.
Bevacizumab is given intravenously (into a vein) infusion by a healthcare professional. Bevacizumab should never be given as an intravenous push or bolus. Do not self-administer.
The duration of treatment with Bevacizumab depends on your condition and response to the treatment. Your doctor will decide the length of time, based on its effectiveness and your tolerance. Regular monitoring will guide ongoing treatment.
Chemotherapy targets and destroys rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, to stop their growth and spread. While, Bevacizumab works by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to tumors. Cutting off this blood supply helps shrink the tumor or prevent it from growing further.
A person taking Bevacizumab may still require chemotherapy. Bevacizumab is often used in combination with chemotherapy to treat certain cancers, as it helps prevent tumor growth by blocking blood vessel formation and improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Bevacizumab causes side effects such as constipation, loss of appetite, fever, nose bleeds, change in speech, voice changes/hoarseness, and loss of body weight. Most of these side effects do not require any medical requirements as they will gradually reduce over time. Contact a doctor if these side effects persist for longer durations.
