Bevacizumab-maly (be-va-SIZ-yoo-mab - maly)

Treats cancer, including colorectal, lung, glioblastoma, kidney, cervical, ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Alymsys

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein. It must be given slowly, so the needle will have to stay in place for at least 30 to 90 minutes.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not receive bevacizumab-maly together with cancer medicines containing anthracycline if you have heart failure.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 6 months after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, bleeding problems, bowel blockage, or a history of coughing up blood, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Stomach or bowel perforation (hole or tear), including fistula (abnormal opening) formation in the stomach, bowel, or other parts of the body
  • Increased risk for bleeding problems, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (brain disease)
  • Kidney problems
  • Infusion reaction
  • Heart failure, especially when used together with anthracycline cancer medicines
• This medicine may affect the way your body heals. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using it at least 28 days before and after surgery.
• This medicine may cause problems in the ovaries. Talk with your doctor if you plan to have children. Some women are not able to get pregnant after they have used this medicine.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bleeding from your rectum, black, tarry stools
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Bloody or cloudy urine, change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain
• Blurred vision, slow or fast heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness
• Chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking, pain in your calf
• Constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Fever, chills, trouble breathing, fainting, chest pain within a few hours after you receive this medicine
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Seizures, confusion, unusual drowsiness
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Trouble swallowing, coughing or choking while you eat, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness, nosebleeds
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Decreased weight
• Dry skin
• Loss of appetite, change in sense of taste
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Runny or stuffy nose, tearing of the eyes
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088