Avastin 400mg Injection is an anticancer medicine consisting of the active ingredient Bevacizumab. This medicine is developed to prevent the growth of tumors. It is indicated along with other chemotherapy drugs to treat metastatic breast cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. It is also used to treat cancers of the ovary, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least six months after the last dose. Avastin 400mg Injection is not recommended for adolescents and children under the age of 18. Discuss with your doctor about the preservation of ovaries if you are planning for pregnancy in the near future as this medicine may cause fertility issues in women. It would be best to avoid breastfeeding your baby as this medicine may interfere with the growth and development.
Avastin 400mg Injection is often administered as a combination with other chemotherapy agents. Constipation, appetite loss, runny nose, fever, skin problems, and weight loss are common side effects of Avastin 400mg Injection. Before starting treatment with this medicine, let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure, high blood sugar, stomach disorders, or heart problems. This medicine should not be taken for 28 days before and after surgery as it is associated with poor wound healing and high bleeding complications. It is advised to report to your doctor if you have any dental issues that require surgery before taking this medicine. In case you develop any visual changes or confusion, report to your doctor to prevent complications.
Uses of Avastin 400mg InjectionAvastin 400mg Injection is indicated to treat the following conditions:- Glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer)
- Persistent, recurrent, or metastatic breast cancer
- Metastatic cervical cancer
- Advanced kidney cancer
- Metastatic colorectal cancer
- Advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
- Liver Cancer- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Cancers of the ovary, cervical, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer
Therapeutic Effects of Avastin 400mg Injection
Avastin 400mg Injection is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that works as a targeted therapy in the treatment of various advanced cancers. It produces its action by selectively binding to the protein called vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), present in the lining of blood and lymph vessels in the body. It interrupts the interaction of VEGF-A with its receptors. This further inhibits the formation of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the tumor. As a result, it slows down the rate of progression of cancer. Interaction of Avastin 400mg Injection with other drugsInform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products you take or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications may interact with Avastin 400mg Injection and cause undesirable side effects.More Information about Avastin 400mg Injection Store Avastin 400mg Injection at 2˚C to 8˚C. Do not freeze or shake.Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.How to consume Avastin 400mg InjectionYour physician or nurse will administer Avastin 400mg Injection as an intravenous infusion. The infusion should be given immediately after the dilution.Safety Advices for Avastin 400mg Injection
Pregnancy
Inform your physician before starting your treatment with Avastin 400mg Injection in case, if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as this medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby and interrupt the formation of blood vessels.
Breast Feeding
It is recommended to avoid breastfeeding for a minimum of 6 months after your treatment with Avastin 400mg Injection as this medicine may interfere with the growth of your child.
Lungs
Infor your doctor if you have any lung conditions before starting treatment with Avastin 400mg injection
Liver
Inform your physician before starting Avastin 400mg Injection if you have liver diseases to avoid any serious side effects.
Alcohol
Consult your doctor to know if it is safe to consume while you are on treatment with Avastin 400mg Injection as only limited studies are available.
Driving
Avoid driving or using machinery while you are on your treatment with Avastin 400mg Injection as it is related to cause dizziness or sleepiness.
Side Effects of Avastin 400mg InjectionSide effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.Serious:
- Headache
- Vision changes
- Confusion
- Severe allergic reactions
- High Blood pressure
- Delayed wound healing following surgery
- Protein in urine
- Severe infections
- Blood clots in arteries and blood vessels of lungs
- Gut perforation
- Nosebleeds and bleeding risk
- Heart problems with an increase in heart rate
- Mouth sores, dryness
- Shortness of breath
Common:
- Numbness in hands or feet
- Weakness and lack of energy
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Changes in taste and speech
- Decrease in counts of white blood cells
- Fever
- Dry skin
- Back pain
Word of AdviceIt is vital to inform your physician before taking Avastin 400mg Injection if you have the following conditions:- Have conditions involving inflammation in the stomach (ulcer, colitis).
- Experience allergic reactions to Avastin 400mg Injection or its ingredients.
- Have recently undergone surgery as it is associated with the risk of bleeding.
- Have diabetes, hypertension, or heart problems.
FAQs Q 1. Is Avastin 400mg Injection used as standalone treatment in cancers? Avastin 400mg Injection is a recombinant monoclonal antibody that belongs to the immunotherapy class of cancer treatment. It can either be used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy medications to improve the overall survival rate.
Q 2. Is it safe for women to use Avastin 400mg Injection?While for women with reproductive potential subjected to Avastin 400mg Injection, it is advised to discuss with your doctor regarding the effective birth control methods during the treatment. Also to be continued for a minimum of 6 months after the treatment course completion as this medicine may impair fertility.
Q 3. Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Avastin 400mg Injection?Avastin 400mg Injection is associated with increased risk of bleeding complications and poor wound healing. Hence it is suggested to avoid planning for surgery and maintain an interval of 28days before or after surgery.
Q 4. Do the side effects of Avastin 400mg Injection last for a chronic period?All the side effects that are relatively caused by Avastin 400mg Injection occur until the drug concentration stays in the body. It is found that this medicine will be contained in our body for almost 4 months after the final dose.
Q 5. How is Avastin 400mg Injection administered?Avastin 400mg Injection is given intravenously through infusion and the amount of drug will be measured based on the patient’s body weight, height and age. The first dose will be administered for 90 minutes and if well tolerated the infusion time can be reduced to 30 minutes.
Q 6. Can I take Avastin 400mg Injection if I am pregnant? Inform your physician before starting your treatment with Avastin 400mg Injection in case, if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as this medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby and interrupt the formation of blood vessels.
Fact Box of Avastin 400mg InjectionMolecule name: Bevacizumab | Therapeutic class: Anticancer |
Pharmacological class: VEGF Inhibitor | Indications: 1. Glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer) 2. Persistent, recurrent, or metastatic breast cancer 3. Metastatic cervical cancer 4. Advanced kidney cancer 5. Metastatic colorectal cancer 6. Advanced non-small-cell lung cancer 7. Liver Cancer- Hepatocellular carcinoma 8. Cancers of the ovary, cervical, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer |
