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Bevacizumab ( beh-vuh-SIZ-uh-mab ) (Avastin®) What is this medication used for? Bevacizumab injures cancer cells by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels.
What does it look like? • Liquid How is it given?
What are the less common side effects? • Shortness of breath • Dizziness • Severe belly pain that worsens with movement, nausea and vomiting, and blood in vomit, all caused by gastrointestinal perforation and fistula formation • Delayed wound healing • Damage to heart or kidney • Chest tightness, wheezing, swelling of lips, tongue, and throat (infusion reactions) Special instructions: • Call 911 if severe, life-threatening reactions (wheezing; chest tightness; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat) occur. • Call your healthcare provider if any of the following occur: dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, constipation, belly pain, diarrhea occur, passing out (loss of consciousness), difficulty breathing, swelling of legs or belly, seizures, unusual bruising or bleeding, fever, any rash, worsening of condition, or no improvement in condition. • This medicine should be discontinued at least 28 days before surgery and should not be restarted until wound healing is complete. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects? • Muscle weakness • High blood sugar • Belly (abdominal) pain • Low levels of magnesium in the blood • Nausea and vomiting • Diarrhea • Feeling tiredness (fatigue, malaise) • Poor appetite • Mouth sores • Constipation • Bleeding • Low white blood cell count (neutropenia) • Nosebleeds
• Protein in the urine • High blood pressure
• Headache • Weight loss • Hair loss (alopecia) • Dry skin • Nail changes • Back, neck, joint, and muscle pain
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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