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    Monoclonal Antibodies for Cancer Treatment

    Monoclonal Antibodies for Cancer Treatment



    Side Effects

    All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

    Here are some important things to think about:

    • Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
    • Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
    • If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

    Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

    • Trouble breathing.
    • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

    Call your doctor right away if you have:

    • Hives.
    • A skin rash that becomes infected.
    • Reference Severe diarrhea.
    • Severe belly pain.
    • Blood that comes up when you cough.

    Bevacizumab can cause stroke, heart failure, and blood clots. It can cause other problems, including bleeding in the lungs when the medicine is used with chemotherapy for lung cancer. It may also cause holes in the colon (perforation) that have to be repaired with surgery. So people who have had or are planning to have colon surgery may not be able to use this medicine.

    Common side effects of this medicine include:

    • Nosebleeds.
    • Headache.
    • Dry skin.
    • Nausea or loss of appetite.
    • Diarrhea.
    • Belly pain or back pain.

    See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)




    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: September 5, 2012
    Medical Review: Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Reference Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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