Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Avastin?
3. Do You Need a Prescription for Avastin?
4. How Does Avastin Work?
5. Common Side Effects of Avastin
6. What Should You Not Take with Avastin?
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Avastin is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Avastin is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat colorectal, lung, kidney, and ovarian cancers. In this article, we will discuss what Avastin is, whether you need a prescription for it, how it works, common side effects, and what you should not take with it.

What is Avastin?

Avastin is a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It is a type of targeted therapy, meaning it is designed to target specific molecules on cancer cells. Avastin works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, which can help slow the growth of the cancer. Avastin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat colorectal, lung, kidney, and ovarian cancers.

Do You Need a Prescription for Avastin?

Yes, Avastin is a prescription drug and must be prescribed by a doctor. It is not available over-the-counter.

How Does Avastin Work?

Avastin works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. It does this by targeting a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that helps tumors grow by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels. By blocking VEGF, Avastin can help slow the growth of the cancer.

Common Side Effects of Avastin

Avastin can cause side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• High blood pressure
• Swelling in the hands and feet

What Should You Not Take with Avastin?

Avastin can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain antibiotics. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting Avastin.

Conclusion

Avastin is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of cancer. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Avastin is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat colorectal, lung, kidney, and ovarian cancers. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting Avastin, as it can interact with certain medications. Common side effects of Avastin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, high blood pressure, and swelling in the hands and feet.

Sources:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Avastin (bevacizumab). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/avastin-bevacizumab

2. National Cancer Institute. (2020). Avastin (bevacizumab). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/avastin