Zirabev

Generic name: bevacizumab [ bev-a-CIZ-oo-mab ]
Brand names: Avastin, Mvasi, Zirabev
Drug class: VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 23, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Zirabev?

Zirabev is used to treat a certain type of brain tumor, and certain types of cancers of the kidney, liver, lung, colon, rectum, cervix, ovary, or fallopian tube. This medicine is also used to treat cancer of the membrane lining the internal organs in your abdomen. It is usually given as part of a combination of cancer medicines.

Zirabev may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Zirabev can make it easier for you to bleed. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop. You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body.

Call your doctor if you have: signs of bleeding in your digestive tract--feeling very weak or dizzy, severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or signs of bleeding in the brain--sudden numbness or weakness, slurred speech, severe headache, problems with vision or balance.

Do not use Zirabev within 28 days before or after a planned surgery.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to use use Zirabev if you are allergic to it, or:

• if you have slow healing of a skin wound or surgical incision;

• if you have had surgery within the past 4 weeks (28 days);

• if you have recently been coughing up blood; or

• if you plan to have surgery within the next 4 weeks (28 days).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; or

• stomach or intestinal bleeding, or perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Zirabev may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Zirabev may cause a woman''s ovaries to stop working correctly. Symptoms of ovarian failure include 3 or more missed menstrual periods in a row. This may affect your fertility (ability to have children). Talk to your doctor about your specific risks.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

How is Zirabev given?

Zirabev is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your caregivers if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, or have a headache, shortness of breath, or chest pain during the injection.

Zirabev is usually given once every 2 or 3 weeks.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Zirabev can cause problems with wound healing, which could result in bleeding or infection. If you need to have any type of surgery, you will need to stop receiving this medicine at least 28 days ahead of time. Do not start using this medicine for at least 28 days after surgery, or until your surgical incision heals.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Zirabev.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Zirabev?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Zirabev side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel dizzy, light-headed, short of breath, chilled, sweaty, or have a headache, chest pain, wheezing, or swelling in your face.

Zirabev can make it easier for you to bleed. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have:

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, rectum), or any bleeding that will not stop;

• signs of bleeding in your digestive tract--severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

• signs of bleeding in the brain--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, problems with vision or balance.

Zirabev can cause a rare but serious neurologic disorder affecting the brain. Symptoms may occur within hours of your first dose, or they may not appear for up to a year after your treatment started. Call your doctor at once if you have extreme weakness or tiredness, headache, confusion, vision problems, fainting, or seizure (blackout or convulsions).

Some people receiving Zirabev have developed a fistula (an abnormal passageway) within the throat, lungs, gallbladder, kidney, bladder, or vagina. Call your doctor if you have: chest pain and trouble breathing, stomach pain or swelling, urine leakage, or if you feel like you are choking and gagging when you eat or drink.

Also call your doctor if you have:

• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;

• chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;

• missed menstrual periods;

• kidney problems--puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, urine that looks foamy;

• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;

• signs of any skin infection--sudden redness, warmth, swelling, or oozing, or any skin wound or surgical incision that will not heal; or

• increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of Zirabev may include:

• nosebleed, rectal bleeding;

• increased blood pressure;

• headache, back pain;

• dry or watery eyes;

• dry or flaky skin;

• runny nose, sneezing; or

• changes in your sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zirabev?

Other drugs may affect Zirabev, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Frequently asked questions

• What’s the difference between Eylea and Avastin?
• How many biosimilars have been approved in the United States?
• What is the difference between Mvasi and Avastin?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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