We all know that fighting cancer is not an easy journey. It is very important to be fully informed about the medications you are given during this journey. Today we are going to talk about the widely used cancer treatment vaccine called Bevacizumab, known to many by brand names like Avastin, MVASI, Zirabev. Today we will simply talk about what this actually does and what things to be careful about when taking this medicine.
What kind of medicine is Bevacizumab?
Simply put, this is not like the usual chemotherapy drug you've heard of. This is a specially formulated, targeted therapy. In medical terms, it belongs to a class of drugs called ``monoclonal antibodies.''
Think of cancer cells as a fast-growing enemy. These cells need blood, oxygen, and nutrients to survive and spread. So the cancer cells make new blood vessels for themselves. Bevacizumab stops the growth of these new blood vessels . In other words, it stops the cancer from 'feeding' and 'breathing', and controls its growth. It is used to treat various types of cancer, for example, colon, lung, kidney, and brain cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is essential to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any:
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | It is important for managing the effects of medication. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure (hypertension) | This medicine can affect blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Having coughed up blood before | This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Having recently undergone surgery or having surgery in the future | Because the medicine can delay wound healing. |
| Having had a previous stroke | To be aware of the risk of blood clots. |
| Having previously received anthracycline- type chemotherapy (e.g. doxorubicin) | To be aware of the possible effects on the heart. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is very important! This medicine is harmful to the unborn baby. |
| Having allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | To prevent possible allergic reactions during treatment. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This medicine is given to you as an injection into a vein, similar to an intravenous infusion. It must be given to you in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nurse. It is not a medicine to be used at home.
Important: If you are unable to go to the hospital to receive your medication on the scheduled day, be sure to inform your doctor or clinic in advance. Skipping doses of this treatment may affect the success of the treatment.
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- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not become pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine. It is imperative to avoid pregnancy even for 6 months after stopping the medicine. This is because this medicine can seriously harm the unborn baby. Also, do not breastfeed your baby while taking the medicine and for 6 months after stopping it.
- Effects on fertility: This medicine may cause ovarian failure in some women. This means that there may be some effect on the ability to have children. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor openly.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Bevacizumab can cause some side effects. Some of these can be serious, so it is important to be aware of them. The two tables below can help you understand this more clearly.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Heart problems | Chest pain, feeling of tightness in the chest. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Black or bloody stools, dark brown urine, vomiting coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, unusual bleeding from the eyes/gums/nose. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, leg pain, swelling, and warmth. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty walking, dizziness. |
| Other serious symptoms | Coughing up blood, high fever, convulsions, severe stomach pain, vomiting, sweating, swelling of the legs or ankles, weight gain. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
|---|---|
| Back pain | Change in the taste of food |
| Appetite | Dry skin |
| Nausea | Tiredness / Fatigue |
Remember, this list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, never be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Bevacizumab is a targeted therapy that stops the growth of blood vessels that supply cancer cells with blood.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure) and other medications you are taking.
- Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping.
- This medicine should be stopped for a specific period of time before and after surgery. Get proper advice from your doctor about this.
- If you notice any serious symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, or unusual bleeding, inform your doctor immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU).
- Talking openly with your doctor and following their advice is very important during this treatment journey.
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