Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is prescribed to treat certain types of cancer, including colon, rectal, and non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer. It binds to and inhibits a certain type of protein that encourages the growth of new blood vessels. As a result, the cancer is essentially "starved" of its blood supply. The medication is given by injection at your healthcare provider's office. Side effects can include stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

Bevacizumab for Cancer Treatment

What Is Bevacizumab?

Bevacizumab (Avastin^®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of the following conditions:

Colon cancer
Rectal cancer
Non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer
Breast cancer
Glioblastoma brain cancer
Renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer).

(Click What Is Bevacizumab Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with bevacizumab. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects include but are not limited to:

Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
Diarrhea
Nausea
Dehydration
Fatigue.

(Click Side Effects of Bevacizumab to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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