bevacizumab (ophthalmic)
Brand names: Avastin
Avastin is a medicine that blocks a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is used to treat several types of cancer.
What it does
Avastin is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread).
Common side effects
Nosebleeds, Headache, High blood pressure
Key warnings
Avastin can cause serious side effects.
How It Works
Avastin blocks a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF helps tumors grow new blood vessels. By blocking VEGF, Avastin can help slow or stop the growth of cancer.
How to Take It
Avastin is given to you through a needle in your vein (IV infusion). Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your type of cancer and your weight. The infusions are typically given every 2 or 3 weeks. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your treatment schedule.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Avastin can harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while you are taking Avastin and for 6 months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking Avastin and for 6 months after your last dose.
Missed Dose
Call your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
Storage
Store Avastin in the refrigerator in its original container to protect from light. Do not freeze or shake.
Serious Warnings
Avastin can cause serious side effects. It can cause holes in your stomach or intestines, problems with wound healing, and severe bleeding. It can also cause blood clots in your arteries or veins, high blood pressure, and problems with your kidneys. In rare cases, it can cause a brain condition called Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects.
Common Questions
What if I need surgery?
Can Avastin affect my heart?
Will Avastin interact with other medications I am taking?
What should I do if I have an infusion reaction?
Can Avastin cause problems with my ovaries?
How often will I need to see the doctor while taking Avastin?
What if my blood pressure goes up?
Can Avastin cause kidney problems?
What kind of bleeding is considered serious?
Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Avastin?
What are the common side effects of bevacizumab (ophthalmic)?
What drug class is bevacizumab (ophthalmic)?
Is bevacizumab (ophthalmic) safe during pregnancy?
Has bevacizumab (ophthalmic) been recalled?
Active Recalls
Lack of Assurance of Sterility
Fagron Compounding Services
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What the FDA Data Shows for bevacizumab (ophthalmic)
The FDA label for bevacizumab (ophthalmic) (sold under brand names such as Avastin) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Anti-VEGF (Off-Label Ophthalmic) class. Avastin is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread). Official labeling lists 11 commonly reported side effects, including Nosebleeds, Headache, High blood pressure.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. Voluntary reports accumulate over the lifetime of a drug and reflect wide-ranging clinical use. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. Acquisition-cost data is surveyed weekly by CMS and updated as manufacturers report changes.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history (currently 1 recall record on file), and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: January 6, 2025
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages