Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is an anticancer medication. It is used in the treatment of cancer of colon and rectum, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, brain tumor, ovarian and cervical cancer. It helps to prevent the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors and stops tumors from growing.

Bevacizumab is an effective medicine, first-line option when used together with other cancer medicines. It is given as an infusion. That means you get it through a small needle in your vein or through a port, which is a device placed under your skin. The doctor will decide your dose and duration and will check you for signs of an infusion reaction such as high blood pressure and trouble breathing. You keep taking Bevacizumab as long as your disease is controlled and your side effects are manageable. Your doctor will determine whether you should stop taking it or not. You may be advised to check blood pressure and levels of protein in urine while you are taking this medication.

The most common side effects of this medicine include rectal bleeding, taste change, and headache. Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication before undergoing any surgical procedure, as the drug has ability to lower the ability of wound healing. Other than this, it also enhances your risk of bleeding thus if you notice any unusual bleeding or bleeding consult with your doctor immediately.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using.

• Cancer of colon and rectum
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Brain tumor
• Ovarian cancer
• Cervical cancer

Cancer of colon and rectum
Cancer of the colon and rectum, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC) or bowel cancer, is the development of cancer from two parts of the large intestine, namely, the colon or rectum. In this type of cancer, the person may notice symptoms such as blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, and fatigue. Bevacizumab treats and also lowers the risk of developing further cancerous growths (polyps) and bowel cancer. It kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is an effective, yet very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the major kinds of lung cancer and it affects both smokers as well as non-smokers. Bevacizumab helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Kidney cancer
Bevacizumab is used to treat kidney cancer and its associated symptoms such as blood in the urine, unexplained low back pain or weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. It stops cancer growth and prevents multiplication of cancer cells. This restricts the advancement of cancer to other unaffected regions. You need to follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully to recover.

Brain tumor
Brain tumor is an abnormal mass or collection of cells that may be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Bevacizumab kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a cancer that begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries). This type of cancer is usually detected very late and can be fatal too. It usually spreads to the pelvis and stomach. Bevacizumab kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is an effective medicine but has some side effects that may be bothersome. So, you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Cervical cancer
Bevacizumab is an anti-cancer medicine that is used to kill cancerous cells in cervical cancer, a cancer that develops in the cervix of a female. The affected female may have symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, foul smelling vaginal discharge, lower back pain, or may even have no symptoms at all. It has a lot of side effects and you must discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment with this medicine.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Bevicra

• Rectal bleeding
• Taste change
• Headache
• Nosebleeds
• Back pain
• Dry skin
• High blood pressure
• Protein in urine
• Inflammation of the nose

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Bevacizumab is a anti-angiogenic medication. It works by blocking a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This stops the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to cancerous cells.

• Bevacizumab is an effective, first-line option when used together with other medicines for certain types of cancers such as colorectal, lung, cervical, and kidney cancers.
• Bevacizumab is given as an infusion. Your doctor or nurse will monitor you for signs of an infusion reaction such as high blood pressure and trouble breathing.
• It can lower your wound healing ability. Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication before undergoing any surgical procedure.
• It can increase the risk of bleeding. Inform your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop easily.
• Your doctor may regularly check your blood pressure and levels of protein in your urine while you are on Bevacizumab.

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