BEVACIZUMAB

Generic Name : BEVACIZUMAB

TradeName : Avastin®

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : This medication is used to cure certain types of advanced lung cancer. It is also used to treat certain types of brain, breast, kidney, colon, or rectal cancer, with other cancer medicines.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Caution need during pregnancy and lactation, elderly, children less than 18yrs.

When it is to be taken : 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 it should be taken : This medication available in the form of injection, administered by healthcare providers, intravenously. It is usually given once every 14 days to treat breast cancer or cancer of the colon or rectum and once every 3 weeks to treat lung cancer

Special Instruction :
*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, during pregnancy and lactation.

Side Effects :
GI
Changes in taste; constipation; diarrhea, ; increased thirst; indigestion; loss of appetite; mouth pain or sores; nausea; vomiting; black, tarry stools, dry mouth.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:
Dizziness; tiredness; headache.
SKIN
Dry skin; hair loss, swelling, or redness at the injection site, rash; hives; itching, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
EYE AND ENT
Nosebleeds, stuffy or runny nose; voice changes.
HEART:
Difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest, calf pain or tenderness; chest pain.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Muscle pain; sluggishness; weakness; weight loss.

Other Precautions :
Do not administer or mix bevacizumab with dextrose solutions.

Storage Conditions :
It is normally handled and stored by healthcare providers.