Avastin 100mg Solution For Infusion

Avastin solution for infusion is an anticancer medication used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, lung, kidney, ovarian, fallopian tube, peritoneal, and cervical cancers. It may be used alone or in combination with other cancer medications. It contains bevacizumab, which is an active substance that prevents the growth of new blood vessels that feed cancer cells.

This injection will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. Do not self-inject this medicine. Avastin solution for infusion must not be used by pregnant women.

Women who are capable of becoming pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and up to 6 months after treatment with Avastin solution for infusion. This solution for infusion is not to be used in children under 18 years of age. Avastin solution for infusion treatment should be stopped in cases of gastrointestinal perforation or severe bleeding.

It should also be paused for at least 28 days before and after any surgery to allow for proper wound healing.

Dosage

Overdose

The symptom of an overdose of Avastin solution for infusion is severe migraine. However, Avastin solution for infusion will be given to you by a doctor or nurse and hence, the chances of an overdose are unlikely.

Missed a Dose

It is unlikely that a dose of this injection will be missed if you are monitored in a healthcare setup. However, if you have missed taking a dose of the injection, inform the doctor or nurse immediately.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Avastin solution for infusion works by stopping the action of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the body responsible for making the blood vessels grow. As a result, the cancer cells are unable to produce their blood supply and are starved of oxygen and nutrients, which slows down the growth of cancer.

Directions for Use

• Avastin solution for infusion will be given in the hospital by your doctor or nurse.
• Do not self-inject this medicine. Follow any aftercare instructions given by the doctor or nurse.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Avastin solution for infusion during pregnancy?

To prevent any risks to the developing baby, Avastin solution for infusion is not recommended during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Avastin solution for infusion while breastfeeding?

• Avastin solution for infusion is not advised during breastfeeding and for at least six months after your last dose.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Avastin solution for infusion?

Avastin solution for infusion has almost no effect on the driving ability. However, if you experience symptoms like sleepiness and dizziness, which may interfere with your driving ability, it is suggested that you do not drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Avastin solution for infusion?

There is limited information on the interaction of Avastin solution for infusion with alcohol. Please discuss with your doctor regarding the consumption of alcohol with Avastin solution for infusion.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have any condition that causes inflammation of the abdomen, like stomach ulcer, or diverticulitis.
• You have cervical cancer.
• You recently had or have surgery scheduled soon, including dental surgery.
• You have problems with wound healing or have an unhealed wound after surgery.
• You have high blood pressure, diabetes, blood clots or bleeding problems.
• You have infections that occur frequently.
• You have or had pain in the mouth, teeth, jaw, swelling or sores inside the mouth, numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw or loose tooth.
• You have a weak blood vessel or a tear in the blood vessel.
• You have cancer of the brain or have ever coughed or spitted blood.
• You are above 65 years of age.
• You have heart disease, received X-ray therapy to your chest or have used medicines called anthracyclines (doxorubicin).
• You have previously experienced symptoms like dizziness, swelling or skin rashes, after injection.
• You develop symptoms like headaches, and changes in vision, after taking this medicine.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to bevacizumab or any other ingredient of Avastin solution for infusion.
• If you are allergic to any other recombinant human or humanized antibodies. If you are not sure what these medicines are, please confirm with your doctor.
• If you are pregnant.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Avastin solution for infusion when used along with sunitinib malate may cause a type of anaemia called microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA).
• Particular care should be taken if you are taking platinum-based cancer medicines (cisplatin) or taxane-based cancer medicines (paclitaxel).

Storage and disposal

• Store in a refrigerator at 2 - 8°C.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.