VB Speciality Drugs

Strength	100 mg/4 ml
Packaging Type	Box
Brand	Intas
Country of Origin	Made in India
Also Gives	Thrid Party Manufacturing

Bevatas 400 mg injection contains bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody used as an antineoplastic agent in cancer therapy. It works by inhibiting angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, which tumors need to grow and metastasize.

Indications

Bevatas (bevacizumab) is indicated for the treatment of various types of cancer, including:

• Metastatic colorectal cancer
• Non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Glioblastoma (as a single agent for adult patients with progressive disease following prior therapy)
• Metastatic renal cell carcinoma
• Cervical cancer (persistent, recurrent, or metastatic)
• Ovarian cancer (in combination with chemotherapy)

Mechanism of Action

Bevacizumab targets vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a protein that promotes angiogenesis. By binding to VEGF-A, bevacizumab prevents it from interacting with its receptors (VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2) on the surface of endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that supply the tumor.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of Bevatas varies depending on the type of cancer and the specific treatment regimen. It is administered as an intravenous infusion. Common dosages include:

• Metastatic colorectal cancer: 5 to 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks, depending on the combination regimen.
• Non-squamous NSCLC: 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks.
• Glioblastoma: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks.
• Renal cell carcinoma: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks.
• Cervical cancer: 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks.
• Ovarian cancer: 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks (in combination with chemotherapy).

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Hypertension
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anorexia
• Proteinuria

Serious but less common side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal perforation
• Hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Arterial thromboembolic events (e.g., stroke, heart attack)
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Wound healing complications
• Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS)

Contraindications and Precautions

• Hypersensitivity to bevacizumab or any component of the formulation.
• Use with caution in patients with a history of arterial thromboembolism.
• Avoid use in patients with severe, uncontrolled hypertension.
• Discontinue in patients with gastrointestinal perforations, serious hemorrhage, or nephrotic syndrome.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly and manage hypertension appropriately.
• Use caution in patients undergoing surgery; bevacizumab should be discontinued at least 28 days before elective surgery and not resumed until at least 28 days post-surgery and until the surgical wound is fully healed.

Drug Interactions

• Sunitinib malate: Increased risk of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.
• Radiation therapy: Potential increased risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal perforation and fistula formation.

Special Considerations

• Pregnancy: Classified as Category C. Bevacizumab can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known if bevacizumab is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.

Storage

• Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze or shake.
• Protect from light.
• Diluted solution should be used within a specified time frame (usually within 8 hours if kept at room temperature, or within 24 hours if refrigerated).