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Bevacizumab - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Bevacizumab

Generic Name : Bevacizumab
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Bevacizumab are provided here.

Pronunciation : be va siz' yoo mab

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Bevacizumab, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y43.3 Therapeutic Classification : Chemotherapy

Trade Names/Brand Names of Bevacizumab

International :


Avastin.

Other Name(s) of Bevacizumab

•Zybev
• Bryxta
• Abevmy
• Bevarest
• Cizumab etc.

Overview of Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab inhibits a protein named Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
VEGF helps for promoting blood vessel growth, providing nutrition for cancer cells. By inhibiting VEGF, bevacizumab inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Why is Bevacizumab Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is used to treat certain types of advanced lung cancer. It is also used to treat certain types of brain, breast, kidney, colon, or rectal cancer along with other cancer medicines.ʉۢ Bevacizumab is indicated for treating colorectal cancer that spreads to other areas along with intravenous fluorouracil-based chemotherapy.
• Certain types of liver cancer
• Certain types of renal(kidney) cell cancer, cervical, fallopian tube, ovarian cancers, Glioblastoma.
• Severe COVID-19

When should Bevacizumab not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with hole in stomach or intestine, wound, and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Bevacizumab?

Metastatic Carcinoma of the Colon or Rectum - Adults
IV infusion 5 or 10 mg/kg every 14 days in combination with IV 5-fluorouracil�based chemotherapy.
The recommended dosage is 5 mg/kg every 14 days when administered with irinotecan/5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, and 10 mg/kg every 14 days when administered with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin.

How should Bevacizumab be taken?

This medication is available in the form of injection, administered by health care providers, intravenously.
• It is taken in the dose of 5-10 mg/kg body weight every 2 weeks with other chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancer
• For lung cancer: 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks with carboplatin and paclitaxel
• 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for renal cancer
• The recommended dosage is 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks for glioblastoma.
• 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks with paclitaxel and cisplatin, or paclitaxel and topotecan for Stage III or IV ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer after surgical resection.

What are the warnings and precautions for Bevacizumab?

•It may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid injuries.

Caution should be exercised in patients with history of cancer and heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, during pregnancy and lactation.

What are the side effects of Bevacizumab?

Gastrointestinal- Changes in taste, constipation, diarrhea, increased thirst, indigestion, loss of appetite, mouth pain or sores, nausea, vomiting, black, tarry stools and dry mouth.
Central Nervous System- Dizziness, tiredness and headache.
Skin- Dry skin, hair loss, swelling, or redness at the injection site, rash, hives, itching and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
Eye and ENT- Nosebleed, stuffy or runny nose and voice changes.
Heart- Difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, congestive heart failure, calf pain or tenderness and chest pain.
Miscellaneous- Muscle pain, sluggishness, weakness and weight loss.

What are the other precautions for Bevacizumab?

Caution is required in patients with:
• Gastrointestinal perforations and Fistula
• Hemorrhage
• Blood clots
• Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
• Renal Injury and Proteinuria
• Pregnant and lactating women
• Ovarian Failure
• Heart Failure

What are the Drug Interactions of Bevacizumab?

Bevacizumab can interact with the following drugs in various extents:

• Paclitaxel
• Carboplatin

What are the storage conditions for Bevacizumab?

It is normally handled and stored by healthcare providers.
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