Bevacizumab; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 5 min read

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Bevacizumab is a medication used to treat a number of types of cancers and a specific eye disease. For cancer, it is given by slow injection into a vein and used for colon cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, and renal-cell carcinoma. For age-related macular degeneration, it is given by injection into the eye. Mechanism of Action of Bevacizumab Bevacizumab contains...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Mechanism of Action of Bevacizumab in simple medical language.
This article explains Indications of Bevacizumab in simple medical language.
This article explains Contra-Indications of Bevacizumab in simple medical language.
This article explains Dosage of Bevacizumab in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

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Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.

Definition

Bevacizumab is a medication used to treat a number of types of cancers and a specific eye disease. For cancer, it is given by slow injection into a vein and used for colon cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, and renal-cell carcinoma. For age-related macular degeneration, it is given by injection into the eye.

Mechanism of Action of Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab contains human framework regions with antigen-binding regions of a humanized murine antibody that binds to VEGF. Bevacizumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a Chinese hamster ovary mammalian cell expression system in a nutrient medium containing the bacterial infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="antibiotic" data-rx-definition="An antibiotic is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।">antibiotic gentamicin and is purified by a process that includes specific viral inactivation and removal steps. Bevacizumab binds VEGF and prevents the interaction of VEGF to its receptors (Flt-1 and KDR) on the surface of endothelial cells. This prevents blood vessel proliferation and in response retardation of metastatic tumor growth occurs.

Indications of Bevacizumab

Cervical cancer
Colorectal cancer
Fallopian tube cancer
Glioblastoma multiforme
Non-small cell lung cancer
Ovarian cancer
Peritoneal cancer
Renal cell carcinoma
Glioblastomas
Metastatic breast cancer
Metastatic colorectal cancers
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Recurrent cervical cancer
Nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced, cannot be removed by surgery, has metastasized, or has recurred.
Ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer that has recurred. This use is approved for the Avastin brand of bevacizumab.
Renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer) that has metastasized.
Nonsquamous cell non-small cell lung cancer
Recurrent platinum drug resistant fallopian tube cancer
Recurrent platinum drug resistant ovarian cancer
Recurrent platinum drug resistant primary peritoneal cancer
Recurrent, IV-B cervical cancer
Refractory cervical cancer

Contra-Indications of Bevacizumab

Defective internal secretion of ovaries
The decrease of neutrophils in the blood from cancer chemotherapy
Decreased neutrophils a type of white blood cell
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Angina
Chronic heart failure
Transient ischemic attack
Obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot
Bleeding
infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">Inflammation of the esophagus with erosion
An abnormal connection between esophagus and windpipe
Abscess within the abdomen
Gastrointestinal fistula
Nephrotic syndrome
Recent operation
Elevation of proteins in the urine
Impaired wound healing
Pregnancy
A mother who is producing milk and breastfeeding
A Rupture in the Wall of the Stomach or Intestine
Problems with post-surgery wound healing
Brain-capillary leak syndrome
The new abnormal connection between two body organs
Secondary ovarian failure

Dosage of Bevacizumab

Strengths: 25 mg/mL

Colorectal Cancer

In combination with bolus-IFL: 5 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks
In combination with FOLFOX4: 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks
In combination with a fluoropyrimidine-irinotecan or fluoropyrimidine-oxaliplatin based chemotherapy regimen in patients who have progressed on a first-line bevacizumab-containing regimen: 5 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks or 7.5 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks

Duration of therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

In combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel: 15 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks
Administer the first infusion over 90 minutes, the second over 60 minutes if the first infusion is tolerated, and all subsequent infusions over 30 minutes if infusion over 60 minutes is tolerated.
Duration of therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Renal Cell Carcinoma

In combination with interferon alfa: 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks
Administer the first infusion over 90 minutes, the second over 60 minutes if the first infusion is tolerated, and all subsequent infusions over 30 minutes if infusion over 60 minutes is tolerated.
Duration of therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Cervical Cancer

In combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin OR paclitaxel and topotecan: 15 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks
Administer the first infusion over 90 minutes, the second over 60 minutes if the first infusion is tolerated, and all subsequent infusions over 30 minutes if infusion over 60 minutes is tolerated.

Side Effects of Bevacizumab

The most common

More common

Fast or irregular heartbeat
appetite loss
changes in nails
constipation
fatigue
fever
Back pain
dizziness
headache
increased cough
Acid or sour stomach
decreased appetite
Agitation
chest congestion
chest pain
cold sweats
confusion
decreased sexual ability or desire
stomach or abdominal cramps, gas, or pain
trouble sleeping

Less common

bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
chest pain
diarrhea
Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles“, or tingling feelings
difficulty in moving
feeling of warmth
muscle stiffness
redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
sudden sweating
lack or loss of strength
muscle spasm
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty in swallowing
dry mouth
fever
headache
hoarseness
increased blood pressure

Drug Interactions of Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab may interact with following drugs, supplements & may decrease the efficacy of the drug

bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
belimumab
bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, etidronate)
cancer medications (e.g., carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, ifosfamide)
clonazipe
dipyrone
sunitinib
infliximab
mycophenolate
other medications to treat cancer (e.g., carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, vincristine)
sirolimus
tacrolimus
beclomethasone, inhaled
cholera vaccine
daclizumab
denosumab
dichlorphenamide
fingolimod
paclitaxel
paclitaxel protein-bound

Pregnancy & Lactation of Bevacizumab

FDA Pregnancy Category C

Pregnancy

This medication may affect a baby’s development in the womb and should not be used during pregnancy. It is strongly recommended that women who may become pregnant take proper contraceptive measures (e.g., use of a condom) for at least 6 months after the last dose of bevacizumab.

Lactation

It is not known if bevacizumab passes into breast milk. Women should avoid breastfeeding while taking bevacizumab and should not breastfeed for 6 months after stopping treatment.

References

Bevacizumab; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first

If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story

Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician

A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests

Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse

If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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