Avastin Dosage

The Avastin dosage that you are prescribed will depend on the type of cancer being treated and the type of chemotherapy that is also being used, among other things. For example, when treating non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer, the recommend dose is 15 mg per kg every three weeks. For colorectal cancer, an Avastin dosage of 5 to 10 mg per kg every 14 days is prescribed.

 

Avastin Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Avastin® (bevacizumab) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your weight
  • Whether you have colon, rectal, or lung cancer
  • The type of chemotherapy you are receiving
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Avastin dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Avastin Dosage for Colorectal Cancer

The recommended dose of Avastin when treating colon or rectal cancer is either 5 mg or 10 mg per kg (about 2.3 mg to 4.5 mg per pound) given by IV every 14 days. The recommended dose will vary (either 5 or 10 mg per kg) based on the type of chemotherapy you are receiving along with Avastin.
 

Avastin Dosage for Lung Cancer

The recommended dose of Avastin when treating non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer is 15 mg per kg (about 6.8 mg per pound) given by IV every three weeks.
 

General Information on Dosing With Avastin

Considerations for people taking Avastin include the following:
 
  • The medication is given by IV, usually at a hospital or cancer clinic. As mentioned, for colon or rectal cancer, it is given every 14 days. For lung cancer, it is given every three weeks.
     
  • Your first Avastin dose should be given slowly, over 90 minutes. If you tolerate it well, your next dose can be given over 60 minutes. If you tolerate that dose well, your next dose (and any future doses) can be given over 30 minutes.
     
  • Avastin should be stopped several weeks before major surgery and should not be started again until at least 28 days after surgery and until the surgical wound has fully healed.
     
  • You can receive your Avastin infusion with or without food. However, your healthcare provider may have specific reasons for preferring one over the other, so be sure to ask him or her if your stomach should be empty or full when receiving the drug.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Avastin will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to Avastin or your Avastin dosage, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;