What is Bevacizumab and for what Bevacizumab is used?
Bevacizumab medication belong to Monoclonal antibody/Antineoplastic class. Bevacizumab binds to vascular endothelial growth factor, interfering with endothelial cell proliferation.
How to Take Bevacizumab
Take Bevacizumab exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Bevacizumab is generally available in market in the form of Avastin IV 4 mL , IV 16 mL. Administer first dose via IV infusion over 90 min following chemotherapy. If first infusion is well tolerated, the second infusion may be administered over 60 min. If the 60-min infusion is well tolerated, subsequent infusions may be administered over 30 min.
Dosage Instructions for Bevacizumab Drug
In combination with IV 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment of metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum.
What are the Side Effects of Bevacizumab -
Like other medicines, Bevacizumab can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Bevacizumab include
* Hypertension (34%); hypotension (15%); deep vein thrombosis (9%); intra-abdominal thrombosis; syncope (3%); CHF.
* Headache, dizziness (26%); confusion (6%); abnormal gait (5%).
* Alopecia (32%); dry skin (20%); exfoliative dermatitis (19%); skin discoloration (16%); nail disorder (8%); skin ulcer (6%).
* Abdominal pain (61%); vomiting (52%); anorexia (43%); constipation (40%); diarrhea (34%); stomatitis (32%); GI hemorrhage, dyspepsia (24%); flatulence (19%); dry mouth (7%); colitis (6%); minor gum bleeding, GI perforation (2%); intestinal obstruction; intestinal necrosis; mesenteric venous occlusion; anastomotic ulceration.
* Proteinuria (36%); urinary frequency/urgency (6%); vaginal hemorrhage (4%); ureteral stricture; nephrotic syndrome.
* Weight loss, hypokalemia (16%); bilirubinemia (6%); hyponatremia
* Leukopenia (37%); neutropenia (21%); thrombocytopenia (5%); pancytopenia.
Warnings and precautions before taking Bevacizumab :
* GI perforation and wound dehiscence, in some instances fatal, may occur. GI perforation, sometimes associated with intra-abdominal abscess, may occur throughout treatment. Serious, and in some instances fatal, hemoptysis may occur in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
* Advise family or caregiver that medication will be prepared and administered by a health care professional in a health care setting.
* Advise patient or caregiver that medication will be administered in combination with other chemotherapy medications.
* Advise family or caregiver to report any of the following to health care provider: injection site reaction; rash, itching, or hives; swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue; stomach pain in association with constipation and/or vomiting; coughing up blood; wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing; any other unusual or unexplained feelings or symptoms.
* Advise women before using Bevacizumab of child-bearing potential to use effective contraception during and for at least 3 mo following treatment.
* Advise women before using Bevacizumab to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
* Instruct patient before using Bevacizumab not to take any prescription or OTC medications, dietary supplements, or herbal preparations unless advised by health care provider.
* Advise family before using Bevacizumab or caregiver that follow-up office visits will be required to administer and monitor therapy and to keep appointments.
What if Overdose of Bevacizumab ?
If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Bevacizumab , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest, respiratory depression, CNS depression or stimulation, shock, coma, stupor, seizures, convulsions, ataxia, anxiety, incoherence, hyperactivity, foul-smelling breath, decreased bowel sounds, dilated and sluggish pupils are may be the overdose symptoms of Bevacizumab .
What if Missed Dose of Bevacizumab ?
If you miss a dose of Bevacizumab medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage Conditions for Bevacizumab :
Store glass vials in refrigerator in original carton until time of use. Protect Bevacizumab from light and freezing. Do not shake Bevacizumab vials. Administer diluted solution immediately after reconstitution; if necessary, store for up to 8 hr under refrigeration (36° to 46°F).
By: ashu