Avastin (Bevacizumab) is a drug used to treat advanced colon or rectal cancer. This medicine slows the spread and growth of cancer cells in the body. Similarly, it is used to treat other types of cancer such as kidney, lung, ovarian, cervix or fallopian tube.
Avastin belongs to a group of drugs called humanized monoclonal antibodies. Created to combat neoplastic diseases such as those described above. Currently in the research phase to treat other tumor pathologies and ocular pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy and Age-Associated Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Avastin is considered the first drug to inhibit angiogenesis, that is, the increase in a network of blood vessels that provide nutrients and oxygen to cancerous tissues. Acting against a natural protein called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), a key element in angiogenesis.
Avastin when used to treat rectal or colon cancer, must be administered in combination with other antitumor drugs such as irinotecan, folinic acid, among others.
This medicine is marketed under a medical prescription and comes as an injectable solution, to be applied intravenously. Being the doctor in charge of applying it. Generally one dose is applied every 2 weeks.
It is important to note that this medicine can cause bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any bleeding or if you have any symptoms of bleeding in your digestive tract (severe pain in your stomach, black or bloody stools) or brain (sudden weakness on one side of your body, problems with sight, sudden headache.
It is recommended to notify your specialist if you have suffered from a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or if you have a history of heart conditions such as heart attacks or strokes. The application of this medicine in pregnant women is not recommended since its effect on the neonate is still unknown.
Older adults are the most likely to manifest side effects, some of the most common reactions are: increased blood pressure, mild or sporadic headache, runny nose, back pain, bleeding from the nose or rectum.
