Avastin (bevacizumab)
Genentech / Roche; biosimilars available · VEGF Inhibitor / Anti-Angiogenic Monoclonal Antibody
What is Avastin? Avastin (bevacizumab) is an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody by Genentech/Roche that inhibits tumor angiogenesis. It is FDA-approved for multiple cancers including colorectal, lung, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer.
About Avastin
| Brand Name | Avastin |
| Generic / INN | bevacizumab |
| Drug Class | VEGF Inhibitor / Anti-Angiogenic Monoclonal Antibody |
| Manufacturer | Genentech / Roche; biosimilars available |
| Administration | Intravenous (IV) infusion |
| FDA Approval | 2004 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Avastin
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) — first or second-line with chemotherapy
- Non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — first-line with carboplatin/paclitaxel
- Glioblastoma — after prior therapy
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) — with interferon alfa
- Persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer — with paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and topotecan
- Platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer — with paclitaxel, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or topotecan
- Platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer — with carboplatin and paclitaxel, then as single agent
- Stage III or IV ovarian cancer — following initial surgical resection with carboplatin and paclitaxel
How Does Avastin Work?
Bevacizumab binds to VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A), preventing VEGF from binding to its receptors on endothelial cells. This inhibits new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in and around tumors, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients and impairing tumor growth.
Dosage & Administration
Dosing is indication-specific and weight-based (typically 5–15 mg/kg every 2–3 weeks). First infusion over 90 minutes; if tolerated, subsequent infusions over 60 minutes, then 30 minutes. The treating oncologist determines the regimen based on indication and combination therapy.
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
BOXED WARNINGS: Gastrointestinal perforations — can be fatal. Wound healing complications — withhold for 28 days before and after surgery. Severe or fatal hemorrhage. Arterial thromboembolic events (ATE). Venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Hypertension. Proteinuria — monitor urine protein. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Ovarian failure. Embryo-fetal toxicity.
- GI perforation — boxed warning
- Wound healing complications — boxed warning
- Severe hemorrhage — boxed warning
- Arterial thromboembolic events
- Hypertensive crisis
- PRES
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Hypertension
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Epistaxis
- Headache
- Proteinuria
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea
- Wound healing problems
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Diluted solutions stable at 2–8°C for up to 8 hours.
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Avastin is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Avastin. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B covers this IV medication when administered in a clinical setting. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Avastin
Avastin (bevacizumab) is an anti-VEGF antibody that cuts off blood supply to tumors. It is FDA-approved for colorectal cancer, NSCLC, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer.
The most serious risks include GI perforation (potentially fatal), severe bleeding, and wound healing problems. Bevacizumab must be withheld for at least 28 days before elective surgery.
Yes. FDA-approved bevacizumab biosimilars include Mvasi (bevacizumab-awwb), Zirabev (bevacizumab-bvzr), and Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd), among others.
Bevacizumab (brand or biosimilar) is covered by Medicare Part B and commercial insurance for approved indications with prior authorization.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Cyramza (ramucirumab) · Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept) · Mvasi (bevacizumab-awwb — biosimilar) · Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Related Conditions
Colorectal cancer · Non-small cell lung cancer · Glioblastoma · Ovarian cancer · Cervical cancer · Renal cell carcinoma