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®.
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
Common side effects of Bevacizumab include nose bleeding, headache, hypertension, taste alteration, dry skin, haemorrhage, back pain, and exfoliative dermatitis.
Common dosing schedule:
Some common medications Bevacizumab may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
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.hkNeed 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.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!