Question 1

Will I need to use Avastin long term?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Avastin is generally used as a long-term treatment. If your doctor sees that it’s working well for you and you're tolerating it without serious side effects, you’ll likely stay on it for an extended period. The goal is to help slow down the cancer’s growth and manage your condition over time.

Question 2

What are the contraindications for Avastin?

Accepted Answer

There aren’t many strict conditions that completely prevent the use of Avastin, but there are some important situations where it’s not recommended: Avastin may harm a developing baby or affect breast milk, so it's best avoided during times when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re planning to have surgery or recently had one, Avastin should be stopped at least 28 days before or after the procedure. This is to prevent problems with wound healing.

Question 3

How long does Avastin take to work?

Accepted Answer

Avastin starts working right after your first dose, but you might not notice any changes in how you feel. That’s normal—Avastin doesn’t treat symptoms directly. Instead, it works behind the scenes to block the cancer from growing and forming new blood vessels. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular tests.

Question 4

How long does Avastin last in your body?

Accepted Answer

Once you stop taking Avastin, the drug can stay in your system for about 3 to 4 months. This varies from person to person and depends on factors like how long you were on the medication and what dose you were taking. If you're planning any changes to your treatment, make sure to discuss the timing with your doctor.

Question 5

Can you use Avastin with other drugs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Avastin is often used along with other cancer medications, especially chemotherapy. Your doctor will choose the combination based on the type of cancer you have. Some examples of chemotherapy drugs that may be used with Avastin include: Capecitabine (Xeloda) Carboplatin Cisplatin Liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) Gemcitabine Irinotecan (Camptosar, Onivyde) Paclitaxel (Abraxane) Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) Topotecan (Hycamtin) Trifluridine/tipiracil (Lonsurf) Interferon alfa Avastin may also be part of specific chemotherapy regimens such as: FOLFOX: includes fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin FOLFIRI: includes fluorouracil infusion, irinotecan, and leucovorin IFL: includes fluorouracil injection, leucovorin, and irinotecan For liver cancer, Avastin is often combined with an immunotherapy drug called atezolizumab (Tecentriq).

Question 6

Is Avastin an immunotherapy drug?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Avastin is considered an immunotherapy drug. It contains bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody made from immune system cells. This drug works by helping your immune system find and target cancer cells based on specific traits they carry. Unlike general treatments, immunotherapy is more focused and works alongside your body’s natural defenses.

Question 7

Is Avastin a chemotherapy drug?

Accepted Answer

No, Avastin is not a chemotherapy drug. Chemotherapy works by killing all rapidly dividing cells—both cancerous and healthy ones. Avastin works differently. It blocks VEGF, a substance that helps cancer cells grow new blood vessels. By stopping this process, Avastin slows down or stops tumor growth. Even though Avastin isn’t chemotherapy, it’s often used together with chemotherapy to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.

Question 8

How long can Avastin be used to treat brain cancer?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how your body responds. If Avastin is working well and not causing serious side effects, you can continue using it long term. However, if your brain cancer gets worse or side effects become hard to manage, your doctor may suggest stopping the treatment. Always follow your doctor’s guidance and schedule regular checkups to monitor progress.

Question 9

Will Avastin affect my ability to become pregnant after treatment?

Accepted Answer

It might. In one study, 34% of women who received Avastin with chemotherapy experienced early menopause, compared to only 2% who received chemotherapy without Avastin. Early menopause means the ovaries stop working as they normally do. Some women (about 22%) in the study regained ovarian function after stopping Avastin. If you're concerned about fertility, talk to your doctor before starting treatment. They can help you understand the risks and explore options to protect your fertility.

Question 10

When can I start using Avastin after I’ve had surgery?

Accepted Answer

You’ll usually need to wait at least 28 days after surgery before starting Avastin. Also, your surgical wounds must be fully healed before treatment begins. This is because Avastin can affect wound healing. If you’re planning surgery or recently had one, let your doctor know so they can time the treatment safely.

Question 11

Does Avastin cause hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Avastin itself does not cause hair loss. However, some of the chemotherapy drugs given with Avastin may lead to hair thinning or loss. If you’re concerned about this side effect, speak with your doctor. They may offer suggestions or supportive treatments to help manage it during your therapy.