AVASTIN®
pronounced (a-vas-tin)
contains the active ingredient bevacizumab(rch)
Consumer Medicine Information
NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia. This page contains answers to some common questions about Avastin. It does not contain all the information that is known about Avastin. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risk of you using this medicine against the benefits he/she expects it will have for you. If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Bookmark or print this page, you may need to read it again.

What AVASTIN is used for
AVASTIN is used to treat;
brain tumours
metastatic (spreading) cancer of the large bowel (i.e. in the colon or rectum), breast and lung in combination with chemotherapy agents
kidney cancer (renal cell cancer) in combination with interferon therapy (ROFERON-A®).
AVASTIN contains the active ingredient bevacizumab.
AVASTIN belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-neoplastic (or anti-cancer) agents. There are many different classes of anti-neoplastic agents. AVASTIN belongs to a class known as anti-angiogenic agents.
Anti-angiogenic agents inhibit angiogenesis (the process of forming new blood vessels in your body).
AVASTIN selectively binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein found on the cells that line blood vessels. Tumours produce high levels of VEGF, which stimulates blood vessels to grow, thereby providing the tumour with nutrients and oxygen.
When AVASTIN blocks VEGF it disrupts the blood supply to the tumour, stopping or slowing down its growth.
There are many different types of medicines used to treat brain tumours and metastatic cancer of the large bowel, breast, lung and kidney.
Your doctor may have prescribed AVASTIN for another purpose.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why AVASTIN has been prescribed for you.
AVASTIN is not addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you are given AVASTIN
When you must not be given it
Do not use AVASTIN if:
1. you have had an allergic reaction to AVASTIN or any ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath; wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body or rash, itching or hives on the skin
2. you have had an allergic reaction to any proteins that are of Chinese hamster origin or to other recombinant human or humanised antibodies

3. the package is torn or shows signs of tampering

4. the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.

If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
If you are not sure if you should be given AVASTIN, talk to your doctor.
Do not give AVASTIN to children and adolescents.
Safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents have not been established.
Before you are given it
Tell your doctor if:
1. you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

Do not use AVASTIN if you are pregnant. AVASTIN may cause damage to your unborn baby.
Your doctor will advise you about using contraception during treatment with AVASTIN and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
2. you plan to start a family in the future

AVASTIN may interfere with your ability to be