What is Avastin? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Avastin

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. It must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for 30 to 90 minutes every 2 or 3 weeks.

• Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

• Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. It must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for 30 to 90 minutes every 2 or 3 weeks.

What to do if you miss a dose of Avastin

Avastin contraindications - Who shouldn't take Avastin?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to bevacizumab.

Avastin warnings

• Injection routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, bleeding problems, bowel blockage, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Tell your doctor if you had a recent surgery.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Stomach or bowel perforation (hole or tear)Fistula (abnormal opening) formation in the stomach, bowel, or other parts of the bodyIncreased risk for bleeding problems, blood clots, heart attack, or strokeHigh blood pressurePosterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (brain disease)Kidney problemsInfusion reaction

• This medicine may affect the way your body heals. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop receiving it at least 28 days before or after having surgery and until the wound has healed enough.

• This medicine may cause problems in the ovaries. Talk with your doctor if you plan to have children. Some women are not able to get pregnant after they have used this medicine.

• Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness, nosebleeds

• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Avastin interactions & what to avoid when taking Avastin

• Do not receive bevacizumab together with cancer medicines containing anthracycline if you have heart failure.

• Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Talk with your doctor if you plan to have children. Some women are not able to get pregnant after they have used this medicine. Call your doctor if you do not have a menstrual period for 3 months.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, bleeding problems, or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Gastrointestinal perforation (hole in your digestive system)Increased risk for bleeding problems, blood clots, heart attack, or strokeHigh blood pressureNervous system damageInfusion reaction

• This medicine may affect the way your body heals. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using it several weeks before and after surgery.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.