Description

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml (Bevacizumab) Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Price in Pakistan

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml contains bevacizumab, a prescription medicine used as part of treatment for several types of cancer. Avastin is an angiogenesis inhibitor that works by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that helps tumors develop new blood vessels.

Avastin 400mg/16ml Injection is administered through intravenous (IV) infusion under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The Avastin dosage and treatment schedule depend on the type of cancer, the patient’s condition, body weight, and other medicines used during treatment.

What Is Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml (Bevacizumab)?

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml is an intravenous formulation containing 400 mg of bevacizumab in 16 mL, equivalent to 25 mg/mL. It is supplied as a single-dose vial and is generally administered in a hospital or specialist oncology setting.

The active ingredient in Avastin 400mg/16ml is bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGF. By blocking VEGF activity, Avastin can reduce the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need for growth and spread.

Because Avastin is a prescription cancer medicine, it should only be used according to the treatment plan provided by an oncologist.

Uses of Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml may be prescribed as part of combination treatment for certain cancers. Depending on the approved indication and treatment protocol, Avastin uses may include:

• Metastatic colorectal cancer
• Certain forms of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
• Recurrent glioblastoma
• Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
• Persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer
• Certain ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancers
• Certain patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in combination with atezolizumab

The approved Avastin uses and treatment protocols can vary between countries. Therefore, Avastin should only be prescribed for an appropriate indication by a qualified oncologist.

How Does Bevacizumab in Avastin Work?

The active ingredient bevacizumab works by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Tumors can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels to receive oxygen and nutrients needed for continued growth.

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml binds to VEGF and reduces its biological activity. This can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels and may slow tumor growth.

Avastin is generally used together with chemotherapy or other cancer medicines rather than being used as a standalone treatment.

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml Dosage

The Avastin dosage is generally calculated according to body weight in mg/kg. The exact dose depends on the type of cancer, treatment combination, and the patient’s overall condition.

Examples of dosing regimens in prescribing information include:

• Certain colorectal cancer regimens: 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks, depending on the treatment combination.
• Non-squamous NSCLC: 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks with specified chemotherapy.
• Recurrent glioblastoma: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks.
• Metastatic renal cell carcinoma: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks with interferon alfa.
• Certain cervical cancer regimens: 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks.
• Certain ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer regimens may use different doses and schedules.

These examples are provided for general information only. The correct Avastin 400mg/16ml dosage must be determined by the treating oncologist.

How to Take Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml is given through an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional. It is not intended for self-injection.

During Avastin treatment, healthcare professionals monitor the patient for infusion-related reactions and other potential complications. The first infusion may be administered more slowly, depending on the prescribed protocol and patient tolerance.

Patients should follow the complete treatment schedule recommended by their oncologist and should not change or stop treatment without medical advice.

Side Effects of Avastin 400mg/16ml

Like other cancer medicines, Avastin 400mg/16ml can cause side effects. Commonly reported Avastin side effects may include:

• High blood pressure
• Headache
• Nosebleeds
• Protein in the urine
• Fatigue or weakness
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Taste changes
• Dry skin
• Bleeding
• Back pain
• Nasal symptoms

The severity of Avastin side effects can vary between patients. Side effects may also depend on chemotherapy or other medicines administered alongside bevacizumab.

Serious Side Effects of Avastin Injection

Some Avastin side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention. These may include:

• Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula
• Serious bleeding
• Blood clots in arteries or veins
• Severe hypertension
• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
• Kidney problems and significant proteinuria
• Serious infusion-related reactions
• Wound-healing complications
• Congestive heart failure in certain patients
• Ovarian failure
• Harm to an unborn baby during pregnancy

Patients receiving Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml should seek urgent medical attention if they develop severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, confusion, seizures, or other concerning symptoms.

Precautions Before Using Avastin 400mg/16ml

Before starting Avastin treatment, tell your doctor about your complete medical history. Special attention may be required if you have:

• High blood pressure
• Bleeding problems
• A history of blood clots
• Kidney disease or proteinuria
• Heart problems
• Recent surgery
• Planned surgery
• Previous cancer treatments

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml can affect wound healing. The prescribing information recommends withholding Avastin for at least 28 days before elective surgery and not administering it for at least 28 days after major surgery until adequate wound healing has occurred.

Drug Interactions

Avastin 400mg/16ml is commonly used with chemotherapy and other cancer medicines as part of specific treatment protocols. Patients should inform their doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements they use.

Do not start, stop, or change any medicine while receiving Avastin without first discussing it with your oncologist or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Bevacizumab may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. Women who can become pregnant should discuss appropriate contraception with their healthcare professional during Avastin treatment and for the recommended period following treatment.

Breastfeeding is not recommended during Avastin treatment and for 6 months after the final dose according to U.S. prescribing information.

Storage of Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Product information specifies refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C, protection from light, and avoiding freezing.

Avastin should be handled and prepared by trained healthcare professionals. Do not use an Avastin vial if its packaging is damaged or if there are concerns about its storage or appearance.

Manufacturer of Avastin Injection

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml is manufactured by Genentech, Inc., a member of the Roche Group. Product availability and packaging may vary between different markets.

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml Price in Pakistan

The cost of Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml can vary depending on availability, supplier, pharmacy, import conditions, and market factors.

Patients should confirm the current availability and applicable price from a licensed pharmacy, hospital, or authorized medicine supplier.

Buy Avastin 400mg/16ml in Pakistan

Avastin 400mg/16ml is a prescription oncology medicine and should only be purchased from Impo Medic, hospital, or authorized medicine supplier.

When buying Avastin Injection in Pakistan, patients should check the product packaging, batch information, expiry date, storage conditions, and authenticity.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has also issued safety information concerning Avastin and recommends obtaining therapeutic goods from licensed pharmacies or authorized outlets.

Why Choose Impo Medic?

When purchasing specialized medicines such as Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml, patients should prioritize:

• Impo Medic provide Genuine and properly stored medicines
• Reliable and licensed medicine suppliers
• Appropriate cold-chain handling
• Proper product packaging and labeling
• Professional guidance when required
• Verification of product authenticity

For specialized oncology medicines such as Avastin 400mg/16ml, proper storage and handling are particularly important.

FAQs About Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml

What is Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml used for?

Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml contains bevacizumab and may be used with other treatments for certain colorectal, lung, brain, kidney, cervical, ovarian, and liver cancers, depending on the approved indication and treatment protocol.

Is Avastin a chemotherapy medicine?

Avastin is a monoclonal antibody and angiogenesis inhibitor rather than a traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy medicine. Bevacizumab is commonly administered with chemotherapy or other cancer treatments.

How is Avastin 400mg/16ml given?

Avastin 400mg/16ml is administered through intravenous infusion by a qualified healthcare professional. It should not be self-injected.

What is the usual Avastin dosage?

The Avastin dosage depends on body weight, cancer type, and the treatment combination. Different approved regimens may use doses every 2 or 3 weeks.

What are the common Avastin side effects?

Common Avastin side effects may include high blood pressure, headache, nosebleeds, protein in the urine, fatigue, diarrhea, taste changes, and other treatment-related effects.

Can Avastin be used during pregnancy?

Avastin may harm an unborn baby. Patients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or able to become pregnant should discuss the risks and appropriate contraception with their doctor.

Can I breastfeed while receiving Avastin?

Breastfeeding is not recommended during Avastin treatment and for 6 months following the final dose according to U.S. prescribing information.

Can Avastin affect surgery?

Yes. Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml can interfere with wound healing. Your doctor should know about any upcoming or recent surgery before treatment.

Legal & Medical Disclaimer

This article about Avastin Injection 400mg/16ml (Bevacizumab) is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Avastin is a prescription medicine and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified oncologist or other appropriate healthcare professional.

The information provided does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The appropriate Avastin dosage, treatment duration, combination therapy, and suitability must be determined by the treating physician according to the patient’s condition and applicable local prescribing information.