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Brand Name: Avastin

Generic Name: bevacizumab

An antineoplastic monoclonal antibody - It targets a protein found in many cancer cell types, and ha... more

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INFO

What is this medicine?

Avastin (be va SIZ yoo mab) is a chemotherapy drug. It targets a protein found in many cancer cell types, and halts cancer growth. This drug treats many cancers including non-small cell lung cancer, colon or rectal cancer, and breast cancer. It is usually given with other chemotherapy drugs.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

blood clots
heart disease, including heart failure, heart attack, or chest pain (angina)
high blood pressure
infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
kidney disease
lung disease
prior chemotherapy with doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, or other anthracycline type chemotherapy agents
recent or ongoing radiation therapy
recent surgery
stroke
an unusual or allergic reaction to bevacizumab, hamster proteins, mouse proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work and urine testing done while you are taking this medicine.

During your treatment, let your health care professional know if you have any unusual symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.

This medicine may rarely cause 'gastrointestinal perforation' (holes in the stomach, intestines or colon), a serious side effect requiring surgery to repair.

This medicine should be started at least 28 days following major surgery and the site of the surgery should be totally healed. Check with your doctor before scheduling dental work or surgery while you are receiving this treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have recently had surgery or if you have a wound that has not healed.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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