Bevacizumab

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 13/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Bevacizumab

CHINESE NAME: 貝伐珠單抗

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Avastin 安維汀/癌思停

DRUG CLASS: Antineoplastics

SUB CLASS: Monoclonal antibodies, Angiogenesis Inhibitors

USED FOR: Targeted cancer therapy, Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Treatment of kidney cancer, Treatment of colorectal cancer, Treatment of cervical cancer, Treatment of liver cancer, Treatment of ovarian cancer, Treatment of brain cancer

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 100mg/4ml, 400mg/16ml (injections)

What is Bevacizumab for?

Bevacizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody, belongs to a class of medications called angiogenesis inhibitors. It works by blocking a certain protein in the body to inhibit growth of tumor blood vessels so as to limit the blood supply to tumor tissues. It is a type of targeted therapy to treat many types of cancer, including but not limited to lung cancer, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and brain cancer.

Bevacizumab can also be used to treat liver cancer, but only limited to Avastin®.

How to use it?

Bevacizumab is injected intravenously. Listed below are the indications and the usual dosages, which may be adjusted based on clinical judgement.

For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):
15 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 6 cycles, in combination with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel

For metastatic kidney cancer:
10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. In combination with Interferon alfa.

For metastatic colorectal cancer:
5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks, in combination with other chemotherapy drugs

For persistent, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer:
15 mg/kg every 2 weeks, in combination with Paclitaxel and Cisplatin / Topotecan

For ovarian cancer:
15 mg/kg every 3 weeks, in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, based on the type and severity of the cancer.

For recurrent glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer):
10 mg/kg every 2 weeks

For unresectable or metastatic liver cancer (Avastin® only):
15 mg/kg every 3 weeks, in combination of Atezolizumab on the same day

What are the side effects of Bevacizumab?

Common side effects of Bevacizumab include nose bleeding, headache, hypertension, taste alteration, dry skin, hemorrhage, back pain, and exfoliative dermatitis.

Who should not take Bevacizumab?

People who are allergic to Bevacizumab or any component of the formulation.

Pharmacist Tips:

– This drug may affect wounds healing, including problems with healing after surgery. If you need to have surgery, discuss with your doctor and stop this drug before surgery.
– This drug may cause you to bleed more easily, so best to avoid injury. Also report any signs of unusual bleeding, such as bruising, non-stop nose bleeding, or coughing blood.
– Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during therapy and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
– This drug may cause gastrointestinal perforation. Seek medical help immediately if you have symptoms such as high fever, persistent or severe abdominal pain, severe constipation, or vomiting.
– This drug may cause hypertension and heart failure. Seek medical help immediately if you have symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, or oedema.

Common dosing schedule:
N/A.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Bevacizumab may interact with:
– Sunitinib

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Bevacizumab in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Bevacizumab is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Bevacizumab in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.