How Bevacizumab works

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody. It works in cancer by stopping the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to cancerous cells. This may slow the growth and spread of cancer. It works in eye diseases by stopping abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye(s), thereby preventing from vision loss.

Side Effects

Headache, Altered taste, Nose bleed, Rectal haemorrhage (bleeding), Rhinitis, Lacrimation disorder, Exfoliative dermatitis, Dry skin, Increased blood pressure, Protein in urine

Usage

Bevacizumab is used in the treatment of cancer of colon and rectum, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cancer of fallopian tube and kidney cancer.
It is also used to treat eye diseases like wet form of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is bevacizumab cytotoxic?

Yes, bevacizumab is cytotoxic and hence used in the treatment of various cancers. Its cytotoxic property is also responsible for the several side-effects that are seen with its use. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use

Q. Is bevacizumab a vesicant?

Bevacizumab is not a vesicant (irritant)

Q. Is bevacizumab a chemotherapy drug/ immunotherapy drug /alkylating agent?

Bevacizumab is a chemotherapeutic drug belonging to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing the growth and spread of tumor cells by preventing the formation of blood vessels in the tumors, as a result of which these tumor cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. It is not an immunotherapy drug or an alkylating agent

Q. Can I take ibuprofen with bevacizumab (Avastin)?

No clinically relevant drug interaction has been reported when taken along with ibuprofen. Please follow your doctor's advice regarding its use.