BEVACIZUMAB

Written By:Sakshi Anil MoreB. Pharm Reviewed By:Dr. Tejashwin AdigaMBBS

Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)

BEVACIZUMAB

Background and Date of approval BEVACIZUMAB

Bevacizumab is the first antiangiogenic agent (a drug that blocks the formation of blood vessels) which was approved for its medical use in 2004.

Uses of BEVACIZUMAB

Bevacizumab Injection has been developed to treat solid tumors by injecting it directly into the bloodstream. Bevacizumab Injection has been approved to treat several primary and advanced-stage cancers such as metastatic breast cancer, metastatic cervical cancer, Glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer), advanced kidney cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, Liver Cancer- Hepatocellular carcinoma and the cancers of the ovary, cervical, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

How is BEVACIZUMAB administered?

A healthcare professional will administer Bevacizumab injection as an intravenous infusion to the patients. The first dose will be given for 90 minutes and later the duration of the infusion will be reduced to 30 minutes if the patient is well tolerated. The number of infusions to be administered is typically based on the patient’s response to the therapy.

The oncologist will calculate the amount of Bevacizumab Injection administered based on the patients’ height, weight, body surface area, and the type of cancer being diagnosed. This injection is available in two dosages i.e bevacizumab 100mg injection and 400mg injection. Each 4ml vial contains 100mg of Bevacizumab Injection and a 16ml vial contains 400mg of Bevacizumab Injection.

Side Effects of BEVACIZUMAB

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Bevacizumab Injection are numbness in feet, extreme fatigue, high blood pressure, dry mouth, bleeding complications, holes developing in the stomach, blisters on the skin, increase in pulse rate, darkened urine color, mouth sores, formation of blood clots in the blood vessels, muscle and joint pain. If you experience any allergic reactions such as excessive sweating, chest pain, tremors report to your doctor immediately.

Warnings

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, fever > 100°F, or severe bleeding. During the Bevacizumab injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your white blood cell counts, platelets, blood sugar, electrolytes and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure. It is not recommended to take this medicine before or after 28 days of surgery as it causes delay in wound healing. Get immediate medical attention if you have any visual disturbances.

Precautions

The delayed effects of taking Bevacizumab Injection involve menstrual irregularities, ovarian failure and impair fertility in women. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods if they are planning for pregnancy in the near future. Ideally, it is better to continue birth control methods for a minimum of 6 months after completion of the treatment. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment as bevacizumab can impact the growth and development of the baby by passing into the breast milk.

Word of Advice

Bevacizumab can cause constipation, hence it is advised to consume plenty of water during the treatment. Eat a well-balanced diet. If you feel dizziness or any visual disturbances, you should avoid driving or handling machines. To prevent mouth ulcer, it is advised to rinse your mouth thrice daily. Apply cool compress at the injection site to reduce the pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.

Is Bevacizumab Injection used as a standalone treatment in cancers?

Bevacizumab Injection is a recombinant monoclonal antibody that belongs to the immunotherapy class of cancer treatment. It can either be used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy medications to improve the overall survival rate.

Q2.

Is it safe for women to use Bevacizumab Injection?

While for women with reproductive potential subjected to Bevacizumab Injection, it is advised to discuss with your doctor regarding the effective birth control methods during the treatment. Also, to be continued for a minimum of 6 months after the treatment course completion as this medicine may impair fertility.

Q3.

Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Bevacizumab Injection?

Bevacizumab Injection is associated with increased risk of bleeding complications and poor wound healing. Hence it is suggested to avoid planning for surgery and maintain an interval of 28days before or after surgery.

Q4.

Do the side effects of Bevacizumab Injection last for a chronic period?

All the side effects that are relatively caused by Bevacizumab Injection occur until the drug concentration stays in the body. It is found that this medicine will be contained in our body for almost 4 months after the final dose.

Q5.

How is Bevacizumab Injection administered?

Bevacizumab Injection is given intravenously through infusion and the amount of drug will be measured based on the patient’s body weight, height and age. The first dose will be administered for 90 minutes and if well tolerated the infusion time can be reduced to 30 minutes.

References

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.

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