Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is given as a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) when it's used to treat cancer or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

• It's usually given once every 3 weeks, but can sometimes be given more often depending on your treatment.
• Your dose (the amount you are given) and the number of infusions you need depend on what it’s being used for and your response to treatment. It can be every few weeks to every few months.
• The first dose takes about 90 minutes, but other doses may be given more quickly (over 30 to 60 minutes) if it doesn't cause any side effects.

During the infusion

Bevacizumab is usually given by a nurse at an outpatient unit. For some people, bevacizumab may cause a reaction (called an infusion reaction) while it's being given so you’ll be carefully monitored during the infusion and for a period of time afterwards. Reactions can often be controlled by slowing the infusion.

Tell your nurse if you have any of these symptoms during your infusion:

• fever
• chills
• flushing
• skin rash, itching
• dizziness, headache
• trouble breathing.

Here are some things to know when you're having bevacizumab. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Tests and monitoring: Bevacizumab can cause an increase in blood pressure so your blood pressure will be checked before each infusion and every few weeks while you're on treatment. It usually settles down when treatment is stopped. Bevacizumab can affect your kidneys. Your urine will be tested before and during treatment.
• Slow wound healing: Wounds may take longer to heal while you're being treated with bevacizumab. If you have any wounds which are not healing or look infected, speak to your healthcare provider straight away. If you’re planning to have surgery, your healthcare provider will advise you to stop bevacizumab and only restart once your surgical wound is fully healed. This lowers your risk of bleeding and helps prevent problems with wound healing.
• Bevacizumab may cause jaw problems: Take good care of your teeth and mouth, have regular dental check-ups and let your dentist know you're having treatment with bevacizumab.
• Increased risk of infections: Bevacizumab, when given with other chemotherapy medicines, weakens your body’s defence (immune) system, so you're more likely to pick up infections. It's important to avoid anyone who has chickenpox or shingles.
• Pregnancy: You should avoid becoming pregnant while you're having bevacizumab and for at least 6 months after stopping treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.
• Vaccines: Some vaccines shouldn't be taken if you are on bevacizumab. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist first. The annual flu vaccine is safe.
• Taking other medicines: Bevacizumab may interact with a few medicines and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting bevacizumab or before starting any new medicines. This includes those you may buy over the counter.

Like all medicines, bevacizumab can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. You may experience side effects at any time during your treatment or even months after treatment has finished. Most of the side effects of bevacizumab are likely to improve after you stop having treatment, but some may last longer.

Note

• Bevacizumab is often used with chemotherapy, which can cause other side effects or make these side effects worse.
• To monitor your side effects, you'll need monitoring and blood tests to check your heart, liver, kidneys and blood before you start treatment and regularly while you're receiving treatment.