Avastin side effects

[Jonich]

Hi lovely people

Please can you let me know what the side effects of Avastin only as I shall be on it for a year now that I’ve finished 7 carbo/taxol with Avastin. Thank you 😊

[ssjmichael]

The main one my mom had was high blood pressure. She was prescribed Losartan which helped bring her numbers to normal levels. She seemed to need it less often as treatment went on too. After her maintenance ended, her BP was back to normal.

Other than that, there was just the precaution of not using aspirin, or ibuprofen due to increased bleeding risk.

I do recall reading several people mentioning joint pain, especially as the treatment continued.

The doctors will (or should) check your urine when you get your infusions, as any protein that may be found in it could be an indication of kidney damage.

All the best,

Michael

[Jonich in reply to ssjmichael]

Thank you

[Purple-iris]

Hi

I have just finished a year of Avastin and have had a good year with not too many side effects .

To start with I had a lot of sinus / conjestion build up at night in my throat which was unpleasant.

Fatigue and aches in my legs and knees , but walking and exercise definitely helped .

More headaches than before but have always suffered from migraines .

Finished the avastin in January and aches in joints have mostly gone , still get some tiredness .

Ladies on here have also mentioned nose bleeds and high blood pressure.

Hope the avastin is successful for you and side effects minimum . It feels very strange after a year and half not to be having treatment but am slowly getting used to it and thank my lucky stars each day .

If you click on the more option at the top right there is a search button so you can type in avastin and find past posts .

Love and best wishes Kim x💜

[Purple-iris in reply to Purple-iris]

Forgot to add bleeding gums , which are still a bit of an issue . You should be advised not to have any dental treatment also whilst on Avastin.

Love Kim x

[Alifit]

Hi Jonich,

I, like Kim (Purple-iris) have recently finished 18 doses of Avastin and can echo exactly what she has said. My blood pressure went up but I didn’t need medication for it - I think it helped that I was relatively fit before my cancer was diagnosed. I had occasional bouts of extreme fatigue - when I felt tired, I went to sleep - not so easy if you’re not retired! I found acupuncture a real help with the tiredness.

It isn’t like chemo and I’m sure you will be fine, but always mention things that you think may be side effects to your team - they will be able to give you advice to minimise these. I felt that my life was nearly back to normal on Avastin, and I’m feeling great now!

Best wishes, Ali x

[julia8163]

Hi jonich, on avastain , feel great the blood pressure is high but I am on medication for it. Some mornings, I am stiff but keeping fit helps. Good luck with the treatment.

[Katsmum]

Hi Jonich

I too had Avastin for a year following first line and mainly it was a bit of joint pain in ankles mainly and occasional mild nosebleed. Fatigue is a problem that can usually be overcome with rest when needed and pacing yourself. I definitely knew it if I tried to do too much. Avastin is very manageable and hopefully won’t give you too much problem but, as ever, we all react differently so you may get no side effects at all!

Sending love and hugs

Jane xx🌹💐

[Etakeloop]

II finished my 18 doses of Avastin in February. I had no blood pressure problems , that and urine tested every time. I did get the joint aches and pains, mine seemed to exacerbate any bits of arthritis that was already in my body. For the sinus/nose problem I did a sinus rinse most days and that really helped. Good luck

[Jonich]

Thank you everyone I am hoping the side effects won’t be too bad.. I would like to get a little bit of normal back into my life.. and who knows maybe I can even get back to work.. 😊

[ShazD]

Hi I am on avastin until Dec . I have just finished 6 carbo/taxol. I think the tiredness and the dripping nose are the 2 issues for me. I hit the slopes today and found I had to pace myself and only do a half day rather than a whole day but exercise definitely helps. I have also changed to a whole food diet which definitely has helped my energy levels. Read ‘ stop feeding your cancer’ by Dr Kelly.

[Nancy222]

Hello lovely person

I've never been on Avastin, but I do want to congratulate you on the end of your treatment. Your doctors likely mentioned this, but just in case, my oncologist said this is a period of adjustment after all the medical appointments and care. He said some people can get depressed. I didn't get depressed, but boy, was it an adjustment. Take care of yourself.

[Hidden]

I had Avastin for about 20 months four months were with Gemzar. It is very doable on its own, however I had sinus problems and used Neil Med rinses and also a sore nose which you can get cream for. My knee and ankle joints were still for about an hour in the morning. I sometimes used supports to keep me moving as in tubbie grip or knee and ankle supports and paracetamol. An odd time my tummy would act up so I brought immodium in my bag anytime I went out

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Jonich. I have struggled with Avastin & still am BUT I am pressing on as it is reputedly a very good drug which we're fortunate to be offered on the NHS.

Mainly aches, all over! I do try to keep moving & not look like an old lady! 😂 The Onc suggested Paracetamol & Ibuprofen but not sure they helped much. I may try an Infrared lamp next...6 more infusions to go. My BP has risen but is acceptable at present 🙂.

Hoping you will sail through it, as some ladies on here do. Linda xx

[Cnmart]

Hello, I've had 6 doses of Avastin now- have nosebleeds and some itching (no rash or anything). I'm not sure if my tiredness is due to getting over chemo. I know I'm getting stronger everyday at the moment, so maybe the Avastin isn't to blame for that.

[Sh-x]

Hi Jonich

I have had 10 Avastin, 3 with chemo. I have the aching joints which I have been taking ibuprofen for. My biggest problem is my mouth, I suffer terribly from blisters and sores the week after treatment, tried lots of suggestions from on here and currently on licodain. Also been asked to stop ibuprofen as it can cause mouth ulcers????