Z Os Adcd 113 13
Jemima Torguson
Bevacizumab-adcd injection is also used together with other medicines (eg, carboplatin and paclitaxel) to treat nonsquamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread, come back, or cannot be removed by surgery. It is also used to treat a type of brain tumor called glioblastoma that keeps coming back (recurrent).
Bevacizumab-adcd injection also used in combination with other medicines (eg, interferon alfa) to treat patients with metastatic kidney cancer. It is also used in combination with other medicines (eg, paclitaxel and cisplatin, or paclitaxel and topotecan) to treat patients with cervical cancer that is continuing, keeps coming back, or has spread to other parts of the body.
Bevacizumab-adcd is an antineoplastic that helps the body fight cancer. It prevents the growth of certain types of blood vessels to cancer cells. This helps decrease the growth of cancer cells by starving them of the nutrients they need to grow.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of bevacizumab-adcd injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart or blood vessel problems, which may require caution in patients receiving bevacizumab-adcd injection.
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. It must be given slowly, so the needle will need to stay in place for at least 30 to 90 minutes.
Bevacizumab-adcd is often given together with other cancer medicines. If you are using a combination of medicines, make sure that you take each one at the proper time and do not mix them. Ask your doctor to help you plan a way to remember to take your medicines at the right times.
It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely and at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests are needed to check for unwanted effects. Be sure to keep all appointments. You may be taught how to check your blood pressure at home.
Receiving this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while receiving this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine may also increase your risk of having a serious condition called tracheoesophageal fistula (an abnormal opening in one or more places between the esophagus and the trachea). Tell your doctor right away if you start having trouble swallowing, coughing, or choking while eating, trouble breathing, or chest pain or discomfort while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine may affect the way your body heals. Make sure any doctor who treats you knows that you are receiving this medicine. You may need to stop receiving this medicine at least 28 days before and after having surgery.
This medicine can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:
This medicine may increase your risk of developing blood clots. Check with your doctor right away if you have swelling and pain in your arms, legs, or stomach, chest pain, trouble breathing, loss of sensation, confusion, or problems with muscle control or speech.
Your blood pressure might get too high while you are using this medicine. This may cause headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision. You might need to measure your blood pressure at home. If you think your blood pressure is too high, call your doctor right away.
This medicine may increase your chance of having a brain condition, called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Check with your doctor right away if you start having chest pain, sudden and severe headaches, fainting spells, seizures, unusual drowsiness, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or walking while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine may cause infusion-related reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a fever, chills or shaking, dizziness, trouble breathing, itching or rash, lightheadedness or fainting after receiving this medicine.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
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JERSEY CITY, N.J., Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Celltrion USA today announced that Ventegra, a major U.S. Medical Benefits Manager (MBM) who administers pharmacy benefits through its Pharmacy Services Administration (PSA) model, will place an FDA-approved biosimilar to Avastin (bevacizumab), VEGZELMA (bevacizumab-adcd), on its commercial formulary as a preferred brand. Ventegra's proprietary formulary program (which includes Formulary Shield and the Ventegra Specialty Inclusion Program) is available for access by more than 400 clients and 13 million members/patients that are enrolled with Ventegra.
VEGZELMA was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2022 for the treatment of six types of cancer: metastatic colorectal cancer; recurrent or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (nsNSCLC); recurrent glioblastoma; metastatic renal cell carcinoma; persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer; and epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.
"The inclusion of our FDA-approved bevacizumab biosimilar on Ventegra's preferred formulary status is another important milestone to help increase access to oncology treatment for those living with indicated cancer types across the U.S.," said Tom Nusbickel, Chief Commercial Offer at Celltrion USA. "We have been committed to introducing safe and effective biosimilars to the U.S. market because they hold tremendous promise for cost savings for patients, plans, and our entire health care system."
"Our revolutionary Medical Benefits Manager (MBM) model goes beyond traditional pharmacy benefit management to help build efficiencies, lower costs, and improve the overall quality of care. Our decision to add another Celltrion's oncology biosimilar product to our formulary supports greater affordability and access across this entire treatment class," said Robert T. Taketomo, Pharm.D., MBA, President/CEO of Ventegra. "Our partnership with Celltrion USA allows us to reach more communities faster and enable comprehensive, affordable care that improves long-term health outcomes and fosters healthier communities."
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