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Resources

An important part of managing your metastatic kidney cancer is staying informed. It's also good to surround yourself with support. Whether you are a patient or a caregiver, here are some valuable resources that may be useful to you:

Avastin CARES Program

Sign up today for free information and ongoing support throughout your therapy. With the materials you receive, you'll get insights from those who have experience with Avastin. Learn More

Additional Support

24-Hr Support

Registered oncology nurses are always available at the Avastin Support Line to answer your questions and talk through any concerns. Learn More

Financial Assistance

Discover how Avastin Access Solutions® can help you find ways to get coverage for Avastin, even if you have no insurance. They can also help make the insurance process easier. Learn More

Support Groups

Choose from a list of support groups that can help you cope with the demands of having cancer. Learn More

Important Information

Downloadable Materials

Find a variety of downloadable materials about metastatic cancer and treatment. These materials were designed to support, inform, and help you better understand your Avastin therapy. Learn More

Advice for Caregivers

As the caregiver, you’re an important part of the health care team. Here’s information to help you give your friend or family member the most effective care you can. Learn More

Kidney Cancer 101

Read through the basics of metastatic kidney cancer (mRCC) and download a helpful guide. It can provide you with practical tips and information to help you live with metastatic cancer. Learn more

NEED HELP MANAGING SIDE EFFECTS?

Use the Avastin Side Effects Tool to help monitor and
manage some of the side effects you may experience during therapy.

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What Does Avastin Treat?

Avastin is approved for:

  • Metastatic kidney cancer (mRCC) when used with interferon alfa

Possible Serious Side Effects

Everyone reacts differently to Avastin therapy. So it’s important to know what the side effects are. Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not.

Your doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur. Be sure to contact your health care team if you have symptoms related to these side effects.

The most serious side effects (not common, but sometimes fatal):

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation. A hole that develops in your stomach or intestine. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or fever
  • Wounds that don’t heal. A cut made during surgery can be slow to heal or may not fully heal. Avastin should not be used for at least 28 days before or after surgery and until surgical wounds are fully healed
  • Serious bleeding. This includes vomiting or coughing up blood; bleeding in the stomach, brain, or spinal cord; and vaginal bleeding. If you recently coughed up blood or had serious bleeding, do not take Avastin

Other possible serious side effects:

  • Abnormal passage in the body. This forms from one part of the body to another and can sometimes be fatal
  • Stroke or heart problems. These include blood clots, mini-stroke, heart attack, and chest pain. These can sometimes be fatal
  • Severe high blood pressure. Blood pressure that severely spikes or shows signs of affecting the brain. Blood pressure should be monitored every 2 to 3 weeks while on Avastin and after stopping treatment
  • Nervous system and vision problems. Symptoms include high blood pressure, headache, seizure, sluggishness, confusion, and blindness
  • Kidney problems. These may be caused by too much protein in the urine and can sometimes be fatal
  • Infusion reactions. These may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Your doctor or nurse will monitor you for signs of infusion reactions
  • Fertility issues for women. Avastin could cause a woman’s ovaries to stop working and may impair her ability to have children

Additional Safety Information

The most common side effects of Avastin are:

  • Nosebleeds
  • Headache
  • High blood pressure
  • Inflammation of the nose
  • Too much protein in the urine
  • Taste change
  • Dry skin
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Tear production disorder
  • Back pain
  • Inflammation of the skin

Avastin is not right for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you:

  • Are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Avastin may harm the fetus or a child that is nursing. If you stop Avastin, you should keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose before trying to become pregnant
  • Are undergoing surgery. Don’t take Avastin for at least 28 days before or after surgery and until surgical wounds are fully healed

If you have any questions about your condition or treatment, talk to your doctor.

Please see full Product Information, including Serious Side Effects, for additional important safety information.