Side Effects and Management Strategies for Avastin
When undergoing Avastin infusions for ovarian cancer treatment, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects. A healthcare professional will monitor you closely during your first infusions to watch for reactions.
While mild side effects such as dry skin and nosebleeds are common, there are less common but serious side effects that require regular monitoring. These include an increased risk of hemorrhage (bleeding), impaired wound healing, hypertension (high blood pressure), proteinuria (protein in urine), infusion reactions, and exfoliative dermatitis.
Severe bleeding events, if they occur internally, can be life-threatening. Symptoms of serious bleeding may include unusual bleeding from the gums, coughing up blood, black or bloody vomit, heavy rectal bleeding, stool that's bright red to maroon in color, and heavy vaginal bleeding. If any such symptoms arise, patients should inform their doctors immediately.
Avastin's mechanism—blocking VEGF to inhibit tumor blood vessel growth—also underlies some of these serious effects, such as bleeding complications and impaired wound healing.
Doctors typically monitor blood pressure and kidney function closely to manage these risks. Clinical trials showed that joint pain was more common in people who used Avastin in combination with chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin, Abraxane (paclitaxel), and Infugem (gemcitabine). Cold and hot therapy, low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling, and other methods can help manage joint pain.
Allergic reactions to Avastin are possible, but it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
It's not known if Avastin is safe to use while breastfeeding. Avastin is not safe to use during pregnancy. Using Avastin can cause changes in the menstrual cycle and affect fertility.
Before using Avastin, talk with your doctor about your health history. The drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or factors that affect your health. If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. The same goes if you're breastfeeding or thinking about it.
For more information about Avastin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also do some research on your own using articles like "More information about Avastin," "Dosage," and articles about various types of cancer. Always consult the prescribing oncologist or healthcare professional for individualized risk assessment and monitoring plans.
- The serious effects of Avastin, such as an increased risk of hemorrhage and hypertension, require regular monitoring by healthcare professionals.
- Avastin's use in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs, like carboplatin, Abraxane, and Infugem, is associated with a higher risk of joint pain.
- Patients should inform their doctors immediately if they experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to Avastin, which may include skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
