GI perforation reported in 2.4 or 0.9% of patients with colorectal cancer or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), respectively, receiving bevacizumab; may be fatal; sometimes associated with or complicated by fistula formation and/or intra-abdominal abscess. Manifested as abdominal pain with constipation, vomiting, and/or fever.
May develop at any time during treatment (i.e., not correlated with duration of exposure).
Include GI perforation in differential diagnosis of patients presenting with abdominal pain. If GI perforation occurs, discontinue bevacizumab permanently. (See GI Perforations under Cautions.)
Wound Healing Complications
Wound dehiscence, sometimes fatal, reported in patients receiving bevacizumab. (See Wound Healing Complications under Cautions.)
If wound dehiscence requiring medical intervention occurs, discontinue bevacizumab permanently.
Hemorrhage
Serious (sometimes fatal) pulmonary hemorrhage reported in patients with NSCLC receiving bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy. Severe or fatal hemoptysis reported in 31% of patients with NSCLC with squamous histology and in 2.3% of patients with NSCLC without predominant squamous histology. (See Hemorrhage under Cautions.)
Do not administer to patients with recent hemoptysis (≥½ teaspoon of red blood).
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You will need important blood work and urine testing done while you are taking this medicine.
During your treatment, let your health care professional know if you have any unusual symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.
This medicine may rarely cause 'gastrointestinal perforation' (holes in the stomach, intestines or colon), a serious side effect requiring surgery to repair.
This medicine should be started at least 28 days following major surgery and the site of the surgery should be totally healed. Check with your doctor before scheduling dental work or surgery while you are receiving this treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have recently had surgery or if you have a wound that has not healed.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
