Other Brands/Names

In Indonesia, the brand names for bevacizumab include Avastin, Bevaas, and Mvasi.

How It Works

Bevacizumab is a recombinant monoclonal antibody, a type of antibody created in the laboratory that can specifically bind to an antigen recognized by the antibody. It works by blocking the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which prevents the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Tumors can create new blood vessels to supply tumor cells with oxygen and nutrients, promoting their growth. By inhibiting VEGF, bevacizumab helps to prevent the development of new blood vessels, thereby slowing tumor growth.

Indications

Bevacizumab is commonly prescribed for advanced or terminal cancers, including:

• Metastatic breast cancer that has spread to other organs

• Non-small cell lung cancer

• Advanced and metastatic renal cell cancer

• Metastatic colorectal cancer

• Cervical cancer

• Glioblastoma (brain cancer)

Contraindications

While there are no absolute contraindications for bevacizumab, it should be used with special caution in the following groups of people:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Older adults, especially those aged 65 and over

• Patients who experience a hypertensive crisis (severely elevated blood pressure that increases the risk of organ damage), as the drug should be discontinued in such cases

• Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease or hypertension

• Patients with diabetes, among others

Side Effects

Side effects from bevacizumab are generally uncommon, but some individuals may experience:

• Fatigue

• Decreased appetite

• Digestive issues

• Difficulty passing stools

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Bowel movement disorders (ileus)

• High blood pressure

• Headaches

• Dry skin

• Mouth sores

• Muscle pain or weakness

Types

Bevacizumab is available in vials for liquid injection.

Dosage

Bevacizumab is administered only to adult patients. The dosage and administration schedule depend on the type of cancer being treated. Typically, the dose is 5 mg/kg body weight given every 14 or 21 days through intravenous infusion. The dose may vary from 5-15 mg/kg body weight depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s tolerance.

Safety

Pregnancy:

Bevacizumab is classified as FDA Category N (the potential risk to the fetus is not yet clearly known). It is important to consult a doctor before using this medication during pregnancy for proper monitoring.

Drug Interactions

Clozapine

When used with clozapine, an antipsychotic used in schizophrenia, bevacizumab may increase the risk of agranulocytosis, a severe decrease in white blood cell count. Therefore, the concurrent use of bevacizumab and clozapine should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider to prevent adverse effects.

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