Brand Name
Avastin
Common Name
bevacizumab
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02270994 | AVASTIN 25MG/ML INJECTION |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Bevacizumab belongs to a group of cancer-fighting medications called antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics called biological response modifiers. It is used in combination with certain types of chemotherapy medications to treat colon or rectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. While chemotherapy directly attacks a tumour, this medication works by stopping the tumour from forming new blood vessels.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of bevacizumab is 5 mg per kilogram of body weight given every 14 days as an intravenous infusion by your doctor. The first dose should be given slowly over 90 minutes following chemotherapy, and if the side effects are acceptable, the second dose can be given over 60 minutes before or after chemotherapy. If the side effects are still acceptable, future infusions can be given over 30 minutes before or after chemotherapy.
Very careful handling of this medication is required, and it is always given in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
25 mg/mL
Each vial contains bevacizumab 25 mg/mL as either bevacizumab 100 mg in 4 mL or bevacizumab 400 mg in 16 mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: α,α-trehalose dihydrate, polysorbate 20, sodium phosphate and water for injection. Preservative-free.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Bevacizumab should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to bevacizumab or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to Chinese hamster ovary cell products or other recombinant human or humanised antibodies
- has untreated cancer that has spread to the central nervous system
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