Bevacizumab Dosing

Bevacizumab dosing guidelines take various factors into account, such as the type of cancer being treated and the kind of chemotherapy that is also being used, among other things. For example, when treating non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer, the recommend dose is 15 mg per kg every three weeks. For colorectal cancer, bevacizumab dosing guidelines call for 5 or 10 mg per kg every 14 days.

 

An Introduction to Bevacizumab Dosing

The dose of bevacizumab (Avastin®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your weight
  • Whether you have colon, rectal, or lung cancer
  • The type of chemotherapy you are receiving
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your bevacizumab dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Bevacizumab Dosing for Colorectal Cancer

The recommended dose of bevacizumab when treating colon or rectal cancer is either 5 mg or 10 mg per kg (about 2.3 mg to 4.5 mg per pound) given by IV every 14 days. The recommended dose will vary (either 5 or 10 mg per kg) based on the type of chemotherapy you are receiving along with bevacizumab.
 

Bevacizumab Dosing for Lung Cancer

The recommended dose of bevacizumab when treating non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer is 15 mg per kg (about 6.8 mg per pound) given by IV every three weeks.
 

General Information on Dosing With Bevacizumab

Considerations for people taking bevacizumab include the following:
 
  • The medication is given by IV, usually at a hospital or cancer clinic. As mentioned, for colon or rectal cancer, it is given every 14 days. For lung cancer, it is given every three weeks.
     
  • Your first bevacizumab dose should be given slowly, over 90 minutes. If you tolerate it well, your next dose can be given over 60 minutes. If you tolerate that dose well, your next dose (and any future doses) can be given over 30 minutes.
     
  • Bevacizumab should be stopped several weeks before major surgery and should not be started again until at least 28 days after surgery and until the surgical wound has fully healed.
     
  • You can receive your bevacizumab infusion with or without food. However, your healthcare provider may have specific reasons for preferring one over the other, so be sure to ask him or her if your stomach should be empty or full when receiving the drug.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Bevacizumab will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to bevacizumab or bevacizumab dosing in general, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;