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Bevacizumab

Monoclonal Antibody

Brand names:

Avastin®, Alymsys®, Mvasi®, Zirabev®

Other names:

Vegzelma

Often used for:

Glioma, medulloblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, sarcoma, other solid tumors, radiation necrosis (after radiation directed to the brain)

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What is bevacizumab?

Bevacizumab is a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor. Bevacizumab helps to slow the growth of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to tumors. Blocking the blood supply may keep tumors from growing or spreading.

Bevacizumab is being studied for some cancers in children. It is usually used along with other medicines.

The care team will check your child’s blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature during and after the infusion to watch for infusion-related side effects.

Your child will have regular lab tests to check blood counts and monitor kidney and liver function.

Brain

Given as a liquid into a vein by IV

 
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Possible side effects

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney problems (such as protein in the urine or foamy urine) 
  • Poor wound healing
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Low blood counts
  • Bone, muscle, or joint pain
  • Abdominal (belly) pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dry skin
  • Change in nails
  • Mouth sores or irritation
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Change in taste
  • Change in voice
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increase or decrease in tears
  • Change in the normal menstrual cycle
  • Cough, trouble breathing
  • Increased blood sugar
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Infusion-related reactions: Symptoms may include chills, shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, low blood pressure, pain in the chest, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take bevacizumab will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report any symptoms or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Possible long-term or late effects

Bevacizumab may cause medical problems that continue or develop months or years after treatment ends. These may include:

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Tips for families

Be sure to discuss all qurstions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Some patients may have a reaction to this medicine. Tell your care team about any symptoms that develop during the infusion.
  • This medicine can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection. Wash hands often, keep patient areas clean, and avoid contact with people who are sick. 
  • Your child may bleed more easily, and wounds may heal more slowly. Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush, use an electric razor to shave, and avoid activities that can cause injury.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding. 
  • Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after treatment is complete. 
  • Bevacizumab may increase the risk of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), a rare brain problem. Call your doctor right away if your child shows symptoms such as confusion, decreased alertness, loss of vision, seizures, or bad headache. 

Learn more about bevacizumab

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.