Bevacizumab is a targeted cancer medicine. It is a monoclonal antibody that is given by IV infusion in a clinic, usually with other anticancer drugs. You may also hear it called an anti-angiogenic therapy.
Brand Name(s)
US:
- Alymsys
- Avastin
- Jobevne
- Mvasi
- Vegzelma
- Zirabev
Canada:
- Abevmy
- Avastin
- Aybintio
- Bambevi
- Mvasi
- Vegzelma
- Zirabev
Some of these are biosimilars to Avastin (the original brand). They work the same way.
Warning(s)
- Serious bleeding can happen. This can include coughing up blood, bleeding in the gut, or other bleeding that may be life‑threatening.
- Holes or connections in the GI tract (perforations or fistulas) can occur. Severe belly pain, fever, or constipation can be signs of a serious bowel problem.
- Wound‑healing problems. Bevacizumab can slow healing after injury or surgery. You may need to pause treatment before and after surgery. Your care team will guide you.
- Blood clots can happen. These include heart attack and stroke. Get help right away for chest pain, trouble speaking, one‑sided weakness, or shortness of breath.
- High blood pressure is common. It will be checked regularly. Severe headache, vision changes, or dizziness can be warning signs.
- Kidney problems, including protein in the urine and rare kidney failure, can occur. Your urine and blood will be monitored.
- Brain effects (PRES) are rare but serious. Symptoms include severe headache, confusion, seizures, or vision changes.
- Infections can happen more easily. Fever, chills, cough with colored mucus, painful urination, or wounds that do not heal need medical attention.
- Infusion reactions may occur. Tell your nurse right away during the infusion if you feel short of breath, flushed, itchy, or unwell.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This drug may harm an unborn baby. Use birth control while on treatment and for 6 months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment or for 6 months after the last dose.
- Fertility: Menstrual periods may stop. This may affect the ability to have children. It is not known if this will return to normal.
- Older adults (65+): You may have a higher chance of side effects.
- Children: Not approved in children. In some cases, a doctor may still prescribe it. Ask about benefits and risks.
- Before starting, tell your doctor if: you have high blood pressure; recent bleeding or have coughed up blood; bowel blockage or ovarian cancer with tumor in the bowel; or if you take anthracyclines (like doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, or valrubicin). Share all medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Colorectal cancer that has spread (metastatic), usually with chemotherapy.
- Non‑squamous non‑small cell lung cancer, with chemotherapy.
- Glioblastoma (a type of brain tumor), often when the cancer comes back.
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (including with chemotherapy and as maintenance).
- Cervical cancer that is persistent, recurrent, or metastatic.
- Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), often in combination regimens.
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), when used with certain other medicines.
It may also be used for other cancers if your care team thinks it is appropriate.
Mechanism of Action
Bevacizumab targets a protein called VEGF‑A (vascular endothelial growth factor). Tumors use VEGF to grow new blood vessels. By blocking VEGF, bevacizumab slows or stops new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis).
This can “starve” the tumor of oxygen and nutrients and may make tumor blood vessels less leaky. That can help other cancer drugs work better.
Common Side Effects
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure.
- General: Headache, dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.
- Stomach and mouth: Decreased appetite, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, mouth soreness or ulcers.
- Bleeding: Nosebleeds; easy bruising; minor bleeding like gum bleeding.
- Urinary: Protein in urine; urinary tract irritation.
- Pain: Back, joint, muscle, or neck pain.
- Skin and nails: Dry skin, nail changes, redness or irritation of the palms and soles (hand‑foot syndrome).
- Senses and ENT: Runny or stuffy nose, more tearing, change in taste, change in voice.
- Sleep and weight: Trouble sleeping; weight loss.
Call your care team right away if you have any of the following:
- Signs of severe bleeding: coughing or vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, bleeding you cannot stop, or large unexplained bruises.
- Signs of a blood clot: chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; sudden shortness of breath; one‑sided weakness; trouble speaking; vision changes; leg swelling, warmth, or pain.
- Severe belly pain, severe constipation, or fever (possible bowel perforation or fistula).
- Severe headache, confusion, seizures, or sudden vision changes (possible PRES).
- Little or no urine, blood in urine, or sudden weight gain from fluid (possible kidney problem).
- Fever, chills, very sore throat, painful urination, mouth sores, or wounds that will not heal (possible infection).
- Allergic reaction: rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, mouth, or throat; wheezing; trouble breathing; or chest tightness.
- Severe skin pain with red or purple areas that spread quickly, blisters, or black spots on the skin.
If you feel unwell during the infusion (flushing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness), tell your nurse right away.
MedlinePlus: Bevacizumab Injection
Last reviewed: 2025-12-15
