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Bevacizumab

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) by binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and preventing it from interacting with its receptors on endothelial cells. It is primarily used to treat various cancers including colorectal, lung, kidney, and ovarian cancers by starving tumors of their blood supply.

Quick summary

An anti-angiogenic monoclonal antibody used in cancer treatment to inhibit tumor blood vessel growth.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
L01FG01
RxNorm
253337
Generic
Bevacizumab
Class
atc-l01
Brands
Mvasi, Zirabev, Alymsys, Vegzelma, Avzivi, Jobevne, Avastin
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
5mg/kg every 2 weeks
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 2 weeks
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
5mg/kg every 2 weeks
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 2 weeks
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
5mg/kg every 2 weeks
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 2 weeks
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Consult local poison control center for specific information
Chronic overdose: Varies by patient
Immediate actions
Call poison control center: 1-800-222-1222
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

9 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the mother

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second and third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during second and third trimester due to risk of fetal vascular abnormalities

Monitor

comprehensive fetal monitoring and ultrasound for growth assessment

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

discontinue breastfeeding

Key Recommendations

do not breastfeed during bevacizumab therapy and for at least 6 months after last dose

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65 years and older
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no initial dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

monitor closely for adverse effects particularly hypertension proteinuria and fatigue; consider dose reductions for toxicity

Monitor

regular blood pressure monitoring and proteinuria checks

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

children and adolescents
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended - not approved for pediatric use

Key Recommendations

bevacizumab is not approved for patients under 18 years due to safety concerns including growth plate abnormalities and increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation

Monitor

not established for pediatric population

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose modification needed for mild to moderate renal impairment based on population PK analysis

Monitor

monitor renal function regularly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

renal_impairment

severe renal impairment
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

insufficient data

Key Recommendations

use with caution; limited clinical data available for patients with severe renal impairment

Monitor

close monitoring of renal function required

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose modification needed based on population pharmacokinetic analysis

Monitor

regular liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

hepatic_impairment

severe hepatic impairment
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

insufficient data

Key Recommendations

use with extreme caution; limited clinical data available; not formally studied

Monitor

frequent liver function monitoring

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody

Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action

prescribingFDA
2023

First FDA approval

Value:2004

Initial approval for metastatic colorectal cancer

usageFDA
2023

Common uses

Value:Treatment of various cancers including colorectal, lung, breast, renal cell, glioblastoma, and ovarian cancers

Approved therapeutic indications

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to prevent angiogenesis

Primary pharmacological mechanism

Treats various cancers including metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and glioblastoma. May also be used for certain eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration.

Binds specifically to VEGF, blocking its interaction with receptors (Flt-1 and KDR) on endothelial cells. This prevents endothelial cell proliferation and inhibits new blood vessel formation, thereby limiting blood supply to tumors.

Administered by intravenous infusion. Common side effects include hypertension, proteinuria, impaired wound healing, and bleeding. Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity, pregnancy, and should be discontinued prior to surgery. Requires monitoring of blood pressure and renal function.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy