Bevacizumab: An Essential Guide for Patients

Summary or Key Points

Bevacizumab, a widely used cancer treatment drug, effectively targets several types of cancer, including colon, rectal, lung, kidney, ovarian, cervical, and glioblastoma. It works by impeding tumor growth. The drug, however, can cause side effects, some of which may be severe. Always consult with your healthcare provider, like our readily available telemedicine professionals, before beginning treatment.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Avastin (Bevacizumab)

‘Generic name’ refers to the official, scientific name of a medication, which is the same no matter which company makes it. It’s the name in parenthesis, here being ‘Bevacizumab.’

Pharmacologic Category

Bevacizumab belongs to a group of cancer drugs known as monoclonal antibodies and angiogenesis inhibitors. Other medications in this category include Ramucirumab (Cyramza) and Aflibercept (Zaltrap).

Dosing

Bevacizumab is used to treat several types of cancer. Each disease has a specific dose, frequency, and length of treatment. Always remember to consult your healthcare provider, or one of our telemedicine professionals, before adjusting your dosage. The dosing information for each cancer type is as follows:

• Colon Cancer and Rectal Cancer: 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks, in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs.
• Lung Cancer: 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks, used in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel.
• Kidney Cancer: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks.
• Ovarian Cancer and Cervical Cancer: 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks, combined with chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin and paclitaxel.
• Glioblastoma: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Bevacizumab is available as an injection for intravenous use. It comes in vials of 100 mg/4 mL, 400 mg/16 mL, and in single-dose vials of 25 mg/mL.

Administration Instructions

Bevacizumab is administered via intravenous infusion. It should be given by a healthcare provider, and the infusion duration varies based on the dosage and the patient’s tolerance to the treatment.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Bevacizumab may cause side effects. Not everyone will experience all of these effects, and some may be rare. If symptoms persist or are uncomfortable, consult with your healthcare provider, or seek immediate telemedicine consultation.

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): High blood pressure, tiredness, diarrhea, loss of appetite.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Headache, dizziness, taste changes, dry mouth, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, peptic ulcers, redness or dryness of the skin, skin exfoliation.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Allergic reactions, weight loss, sleep disturbances, conjunctivitis, deep vein thrombosis, heart problems, perforations in the gut wall.

The following side effects are also possible:

• Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Wound healing complications, serious bleeding, pulmonary embolism.

Remember, it’s essential to discuss any concerns or unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider, or consult with one of our telemedicine professionals immediately.

This is a broad overview of the potential side effects; a healthcare professional can provide more comprehensive information. Every patient is unique, and the side effects vary from person to person. In addition to their potential benefits, these drugs, like all medications, have potential risks, including interactions with other medications. Therefore, before starting treatment, discuss all possible implications with a healthcare provider.

Remember, your health is our primary concern. Telemedicine has made healthcare more accessible than ever. Don’t hesitate to consult one of our healthcare professionals immediately through telemedicine for personalized advice on your condition and medications, including Bevacizumab.

Understanding Bevacizumab: Key Considerations and Latest Research

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation or condition that makes a particular treatment or procedure potentially harmful or inappropriate. Bevacizumab is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Unhealed wound or recent surgery: Bevacizumab can interfere with wound healing due to its effect on blood vessels.
• History of severe bleeding or clotting events: Bevacizumab may increase the risk of these events.
• Hypersensitivity to Bevacizumab or any of its components: To avoid allergic reactions.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Certain medications may interact with Bevacizumab. These include:

• Sunitinib (Sutent)
• Sorafenib (Nexavar)
• Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Bevacizumab in Pregnancy

Bevacizumab may cause harm to a developing fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, immediately inform your healthcare provider.

Bevacizumab while Breastfeeding

It’s currently unknown if Bevacizumab passes into breast milk. To ensure the safety of the infant, breastfeeding should be discontinued while taking this medication and for a certain period after the last dose. Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine professionals for personalized advice.

Estimated Cost of Medication

Without insurance, the estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Bevacizumab can be around $7,000. Prices can vary, and a GoodRx coupon may provide significant savings.

Possible Alternatives

Discussing treatment alternatives with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine professionals is crucial. Some alternative treatments for the diseases Bevacizumab treats include:

• Colon, Rectal, and Lung Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy.
• Kidney and Ovarian Cancer: Immunotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery.
• Cervical Cancer: Radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy.
• Glioblastoma: Radiation therapy, surgery, electric field therapy (Tumor Treating Fields).

Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption, may also support overall health and well-being.

Recent Updates on Bevacizumab Research

Research on Bevacizumab continues to advance our understanding of its effects and potential uses. Recent studies have been exploring the drug’s use in other types of cancer, its effectiveness when used in combination with other treatments, and the development of resistance. Always stay informed about the latest research and consult with a healthcare provider or our telemedicine professionals for personalized advice.

Your health is our priority. Telemedicine is an easy and convenient way to receive healthcare. Don’t hesitate to consult one of our healthcare professionals for immediate and personalized care related to Bevacizumab and other medical concerns.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.