Bevacizumab injection and bevacizumab-awwb injection are biologic medications (medications made from living organisms). Biosimilar bevacizumab-awwb injection is highly similar to bevacizumab injection and work the same way as bevacizumab injection in the body. Therefore, the term bevacizumab injection products will be used to represent these medications in this discussion.
Bevacizumab injection products are used with chemotherapy to treat cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum that has spread to other parts of the body. Bevacizumab injection products are also used with chemotherapy to treat certain types of lung cancer. Bevacizumab injection products are also used to treat glioblastoma (a certain type of cancerous brain tumor) that has not improved or has come back after treatment with other medications. Bevacizumab injection products are also used in combination with another medication to treat renal cell cancer (RCC, a type of cancer that begins in the kidney) that has spread to other parts of the body. Bevacizumab injection products are also used with chemotherapy to treat cervical cancer (cancer that begins in the opening of the uterus [womb]) that has not improved or has come back after treatment with other medications or has spread to other parts of the body. Bevacizumab injection (Avastin) is used to treat certain types of ovarian (female reproductive organs where eggs are formed), fallopian tube (tube that transports eggs released by the ovaries to the uterus), and peritoneal (layer of tissue that lines the abdomen) cancer that has not improved or has come back after treatment with other medications. Bevacizumab injection products are in a class of medications called antiangiogenic agents. They work by stopping the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to tumors. This may slow the growth and spread of tumors.
Bevacizumab injection products come as a solution (liquid) to administer slowly into a vein. Bevacizumab injection products are administered by a doctor or nurse in a medical office, infusion center, or hospital. Bevacizumab injection products are usually given once every 2 or 3 weeks. Your dosing schedule will depend on the condition that you have, the other medications you are using, and how well your body responds to treatment.
It should take 90 minutes for you to receive your first dose of a bevacizumab injection product. A doctor or nurse will watch you closely to see how your body reacts to bevacizumab. If you do not have any serious problems when you receive your first dose of a bevacizumab injection product, it will usually take 30 to 60 minutes for you to receive each of your remaining doses of the medication.
Bevacizumab injection products may cause serious reactions during infusion of the medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chills, shaking, sweating, headaches, chest pain, dizziness, feeling faint, flushing, itching, rash, or hives. Your doctor may need to slow down your infusion, or delay or stop your treatment if you experience these or other side effects.
Bevacizumab injection (Avastin) is also sometimes used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD; an ongoing disease of the eye that causes loss of the ability to see straight ahead and may make it more difficult to read, drive, or perform other daily activities). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using bevacizumab to treat your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving a bevacizumab injection product,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of a bevacizumab injection product, call your doctor as soon as possible.
Bevacizumab injection products may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Bevacizumab injection products may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and test your urine regularly during your treatment with a bevacizumab injection product.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.