Key facts about Bevacizumab
What dosages is Bevacizumab available in?
Bevacizumab is available as a 100 mg/4 mL and 400 mg/16 mL single use vial.
What is Bevacizumab used for?
Bevacizumab is a VEGF inhibitor that is used to treat:
Metastatic, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer
Metastatic colorectal cancer
Recurrent glioblastoma (a type of brain tumor)
Metastatic or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
Nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer
Ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)
How does Bevacizumab work?
Bevacizumab is a targeted therapy anticancer medication known as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor. VEGF is a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow by promoting and expanding their blood supply. Bevacizumab works by blocking VEGF. This cuts off cancer’s blood supply, helping slow down its growth.
How do I take Bevacizumab?
Bevacizumab is infused into the veins (IV) by a healthcare provider. Your provider will determine the right dose based on your body weight.
The typical dose of Bevacizumab ranges from 5 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg infused IV once every 2 to 3 weeks.
Your exact dose and how often you’ll get the infusion also depends on the type of cancer you have and what other anticancer medications your provider prescribes.
Is it safe for me to take Bevacizumab?
Bevacizumab is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Bevacizumab Common Side Effects
- Common side effects of Bevacizumab:
- Nose bleeds
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Runny nose
- Higher levels of protein in urine test
- Changes in taste
- Dry skin
- Bleeding that’s difficult to stop
- Dry eyes or too much tears
- Back pain
- Peeling or blistering skin
Bevacizumab Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Bevacizumab. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Tears in the gut: fever, chills, intense stomach pain or cramps, bloating
Fistulas: skin irritation around the anus, discharge from the anus, swelling or redness around the anus, blood in the stool
Serious bleeding (general): unusual bleeding, bleeding that’s difficult to stop, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool
Bleeding in the lungs: Chest pain, cough, trouble breathing, wheezing, fast heartbeat
Stomach bleeds: tiredness, vomiting blood, stomach cramps, black or tarry stool, blood in the stool
Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
Blood clot in the lungs: cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
Blood clot in the heart: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
Blood clot in the leg: leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
Dangerously high blood pressure: anxiety, blurry vision, confusion, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, headache
Dangerously high blood pressure: anxiety, blurry vision, confusion, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, headache
Serious kidney problems: trouble thinking clearly, nausea, vomiting, feeling very tired, urinating less than usual, cloudy-looking urine
Serious infusion reactions: trouble breathing, itching or hives, flushing, swelling, chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, fainting
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Bevacizumab
- There are no major drug interactions listed for Bevacizumab. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Who makes Bevacizumab?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Bevacizumab safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Bevacizumab will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Bevacizumab.













