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Avastin.com

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Avastin.com

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Support Groups

When you have cancer, there's a lot to cope with. Talking with family or friends or with your health care team can help. But many people say there's nothing like speaking with other people who have cancer. That's because they've really been there. And that's where support groups come in.

Support groups have helped countless people cope with the demands of having cancer. They provide a confidential place where you can:

  • Share your feelings
  • Talk about your experience
  • Give advice to others (like how you manage your side effects)

Where to find support groups

There are also many national organizations that provide services to people with cancer and their families. Many of these organizations can refer you to a local chapter for more information.

Below are some places to start your search:

American Cancer Society*
Cancer information services, community programs, and research and advocacy resources.
Visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)

American Lung Association*
Provides information on lung disease, research, and statistics, plus local programs and events.
Visit www.lungusa.org or call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872)

Cancer.net*
Web resource providing timely, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology to help patients and families make informed health care decisions.
Visit www.cancer.net or call 1-888-651-3038

Lung Cancer Alliance*
Programs include an information and referral service, a peer-to-peer support network, and a national education and advocacy campaign.
Visit www.lungcanceralliance.org or call 1-800-298-2436

The Lung Cancer Online Foundation*
A directory of Internet information, services, support, and research for patients and families.
Visit www.lungcanceronline.org

National Cancer Institute*
The NCI is a component of the National Institutes of Health in the Department of Health and Human Services and provides current information about cancer and clinical trials as well as resources.
Visit www.cancer.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)

National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The NCCN creates clinical practice guidelines for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers with the goal of improving the quality of oncology practice.
Visit www.nccn.org or call 1-215-690-0300

National Lung Cancer Partnership*
Provides educational materials, inspirational stories and blogs, information on clinical trials, and additional resources.
Visit www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org or call 1-608-223-7905

*
Genentech USA, Inc. is neither affiliated with nor endorses this organization. The information provided by Genentech USA, Inc. or this organization is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace a physician's medical advice.

What Does Avastin Treat?

Avastin is approved for:

  • Advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in people who have not received chemotherapy for their advanced disease

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.