Bevacizumab Injection

How does it work?

Bevacizumab is an Doctor prescribed Anticancer drug. It binds to the protein known as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). This protein is present in the lining of blood and lymph vessels in the body. It disturbs the interaction of VEGF-A with its receptors. Moreover, it also blocks the formation of blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells. That's how it stops the growth and prevents the cancer cells from spreading to nearby organs.

Side effects:

The human body shows undesired symptoms after taking Bevacizumab. Usually, they disappear with time as the body adjusts to the medicine. These side effects don't need special medical attention. Consult your doctor if these symptoms become unmanageable.

Some of the common side effects of Bevacizumab are mentioned below:
● Fever
● Fatigue
● Dry skin
● Back pain
● Headache
● Mouth sore
● Weight loss
● Constipation
● Nose bleeding
● Breathlessness
● Taste alteration
● Loss of appetite
● Abdominal pain
● Increased heart rate
● High blood pressure
● Nausea and vomiting
● Numbness in hand and feet

Severe side effects:

● Gut infection
● Blood clotting
● Hemorrhage
● Protein in urine
● Severe infection
● Decrease in level of white blood cells

Expert consult on usage

● It is advised to use effective birth control ways and avoid pregnancy during the treatment with Bevacizumab.

● Bevacizumab should be given intravenously under supervision of an experienced nurse or doctor.
● A person should avoid smoking while undergoing treatment with Bevacizumab. Smoking may reduce the effectiveness of medicine.
● Monitor your blood sugar & pressure, Kidney & Liver function (KFT & LFT), and Heart function at proper intervals after taking Bevacizumab.
● Skin becomes extremely sensitive after taking Bevacizumab. It is advised to cover your skin exposed to direct sun rays and use high SPF sunscreen before going out.
● It is advised to avoid taking analgesics/ antacids (medicines used to neutralize the stomach acid) while taking Bevacizumab, as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
● Keep your body hydrated as diarrhea is one of the common side effects experienced after taking Bevacizumab. Consult your doctor if it doesn't stop or if blood appears in your stools.
● In case you notice symptoms like blurred vision, difficulty breathing, cough & fever, and diarrhea while taking Bevacizumab, consult your doctor immediately before these symptoms become severe.

​FAQs

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Is it safe to take Bevacizumab during pregnancy?
Bevacizumab can pass through the mother's blood and harm the unborn baby. So, it is advised not to give this drug to pregnant and breastfeeding women.

What types of diseases are treatable with Bevacizumab?
Bevacizumab can treat multiple cancer variants, including breast cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and colorectal cancer.

What kind of drug is Bevacizumab?
Bevacizumab is a type of recombinant monoclonal antibody that is an immunotherapy drug. It can be given alone in monotherapy or in combination with other chemotherapy or immunotherapy medications to improve treatment effectiveness.

How should Bevacizumab be taken?
Bevacizumab is injected intravenously by an expert nurse or healthcare professional. Do not self-administer it.

Does a patient on Bevacizumab still need chemotherapy treatment?
Even with Bevacizumab, the doctor recommends chemotherapy to make treatment more effective and to improve the overall treatment outcome.

Is it safe to have surgery while receiving Bevacizumab?
Taking Bevacizumab can lower your ability to heal wounds rapidly. So, avoid doing such activities that can lead to bruising and wounds. Inform your doctor if you are going to undergo an emergency surgical procedure.