AVASTIN 400MG
BEVACIZUMAB
What it does
Bevacizumab is a medication that helps stop the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors.
Commonly used for: certain types of cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer), eye diseases (e.g., age-related macular degeneration)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-06-29 01:53:44 · updated 2026-09-15 02:10:03
About this medicine
Bevacizumab is a medication that helps stop the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors.
What it treats
- certain types of cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer)
- eye diseases (e.g., age-related macular degeneration)
How it works
It works by blocking a protein that encourages the formation of new blood vessels, which tumors need to grow.
Who it's for
This medicine is used for patients with specific cancers or eye conditions that require treatment.
Cautions
- • Be cautious if you are taking other medications that affect blood cell production.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Bevacizumab
BNF-referencedBevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key regulator of angiogenesis. By blocking VEGF, bevacizumab reduces the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and progression. It is primarily used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer, among others.
Indications
- Colorectal cancer (specialist use only)
- Breast cancer (specialist use only)
- Renal cell carcinoma (specialist use only)
- Non-small cell lung cancer (specialist use only)
- Epithelial ovarian cancer (specialist use only)
- Fallopian tube cancer (specialist use only)
- Primary peritoneal cancer (specialist use only)
- Carcinoma of the cervix (specialist use only)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (specialist use only)
Dosage
Adults: 2.5 mg/kg every 3 weeks, with adjustments as necessary based on product literature regarding dose interruption or discontinuation due to side effects.
Mechanism of action
Bevacizumab binds to human VEGF-A, preventing it from interacting with its receptors on endothelial cells. This inhibition disrupts the VEGF signaling pathway, leading to decreased vascular permeability and reduced angiogenesis, ultimately resulting in tumor starvation and reduced metastasis.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of bevacizumab involve its ability to inhibit angiogenesis, which is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. By blocking VEGF, bevacizumab decreases blood vessel formation, impacts tumor oxygenation, and alters tumor microenvironments, leading to reduced tumor size and progression. The drug's effect on the tumor vasculature can also enhance the efficacy of concurrent chemotherapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Bevacizumab is administered intravenously and has a half-life of approximately 20 days. It is distributed widely in the body, with a volume of distribution of about 3.3 L/kg. The drug undergoes non-specific catabolism, and clearance is influenced by factors such as tumor burden and the presence of antibodies against bevacizumab. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on patient response and tolerability.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to bevacizumab or any excipients
- Active bleeding or significant bleeding disorder
- Severe uncontrolled hypertension
- Recent history of arterial thromboembolic events
Adverse effects
- Hypertension
- Proteinuria
- Gastrointestinal perforations
- Wound healing complications
- Hemorrhage
- Thromboembolic events
- Ocular disorders such as vision loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
Interactions
- May increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants
- Risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw when used concurrently with bisphosphonates
- Potentially increased risk of hypertension with other antihypertensive medications
Precautions
- History of dry eyes
- Invasive dental procedures should be avoided if possible
- Monitor blood pressure regularly during treatment
- Ophthalmic examinations are recommended at baseline and during treatment
Pregnancy
Avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk; embryotoxic in animal studies.
Breast-feeding
Discontinue breastfeeding before starting treatment and for 3 months after last treatment.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Powder for solution for infusion
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
- Abevmy™ 100 · Biocon
- Abevmy™ 400 · Biocon
- Avastin · Hoffmann-La Roche
- BEVAAS 100 · Hetero Biopharma
- BEVAAS 400 · Hetero Biopharma
- BEVAMAB · Intas Pharmaceuticals