Avastin (bevacizumab) is a medication used to treat brain tumors and cancers of the colon, lung, breast and rectum, says Drugs.com. It belongs to a category of drugs called antiangiogenic agents, and its aim is to prevent blood vessels from forming on and around the tumor. Blood vessels provide nutrients and oxygen to the tumor and allow it to grow. Without them, the tumors cannot flourish.Typically, Avastin is available as an intravenous (through the vein) infusion, and is given in combination with other chemotherapy medications at a rate of 5mg/kg or 10mg/kg of your body weight, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
Drugs.com indicates that Avastin's common side effects include alopecia (hair loss), diarrhea, stomach pain and poor appetite. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and you must drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated. A poor appetite can subsequently lead to weight loss. Avastin can also cause dizziness, dry mouth and extreme thirst. MedlinePlus says that this medication can also such troublesome effects as epistaxis (nosebleeds), bleeding gums, heartburn and mouth sores. These side effects are typical of Avastin and should not cause extreme panic. Inform your physician when these symptoms fail to abate in three to four days.
Life-Threatening Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Avastin may cause gastrointestinal perforation. In this condition, you may experience severe stomach pain; this condition can lead to death as the intestinal contents in your intestines leak into your body cavity. Avastin can also cause pulmonary (of the lungs) hemorrhage (bleeding). The effects are instantaneous and can quickly result in a fatality. It can also lead to problems in wound healing. For example, it may cause wound dehiscence, a condition in which surgical stitches loosen and the wound becomes exposed. This can lead to serious and even fatal infections. Avastin is also associated with an increased risk for stroke, transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), myocardial infarction (heart attack) and angina (chest pain). It can also cause neutropenia, a condition in which your neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that fights infection) are extremely low. You may contract an infection which your body will be unable to handle. Avastin can also cause congestive heart failure (CHF), a condition in which your heart is unable to pump blood to your body. Symptoms of CHF include trouble breathing, edema (swelling) and stomach swelling.
Serious Side Effects
Avastin can cause numerous serious side effects. Drugs.com says that Avastin can cause an infusion reaction; symptoms include dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness and a fast heartbeat. Avastin can also cause such troubling effects as melena (black stools), bloody stools, vomiting and headache. Black or bloody stools are typically an indication for gastrointestinal bleeding. Black stools are indicative of an upper gastrointestinal bleed (of the small intestine) while red bloody stools are indicative of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (of the colon and rectum). Avastin can cause trouble speaking, dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, visual changes and itchy skin. Inform you doctor when Avastin causes these effects.
Additional Concerns
Do not take Avastin if you are allergic to bevacizumab. Symptoms of this allergic reaction include trouble breathing, hives and swelling of your face, throat or lips.
Drugs.com says that Avastin can affect your fertility, especially if you are a woman. Tell your doctor if you hope to become pregnant.
It is unknown whether Avastin can cause harm during pregnancy and when you breastfeed. It is imperative you tell your doctor if you are either breastfeeding or pregnant.
Avoid combining Avastin with such medications as warfarin, irinotecan or sunitinib, says MedlinePlus. The combination can lead to Avastin's aforementioned side effects.
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