Alymsys
Alymsys (bevacizumab or bevacizumab-maly) is a targeted anticancer treatment for several types of cancers like kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, and certain types of lung cancer. Alymsys (bevacizumab) is often given together with other anticancer medications, but can also be used by itself. This medication is injected into a vein (intravenous, IV), typically every 2 to 3 weeks, by a healthcare provider. Some people can experience side effects like high blood pressure and bleeding so your provider might check your blood pressure and order other labs tests regularly during Alymsys (bevacizumab) treatment.
What is Alymsys (bevacizumab)?
What is Alymsys (bevacizumab) used for?
- Metastatic, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer
- Metastatic colorectal cancer
- Recurrent glioblastoma (a type of brain tumor)
- Nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)
How Alymsys (bevacizumab) works
Alymsys (bevacizumab) is a targeted therapy anticancer medication known as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor. VEGF is a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow by promoting and expanding their blood supply. Alymsys (bevacizumab) works by blocking VEGF. This cuts off cancer’s blood supply, helping slow down its growth.
Drug facts
Side effects of Alymsys (bevacizumab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
The side effects below were reported by more than 10% of the people who received Alymsys (bevacizumab) in clinical trials:
- Nose bleeds
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Runny nose
- Higher levels of protein in urine test
- Changes in taste
- Dry skin
- Bleeding that’s difficult to stop
- Dry eyes or too much tears
- Back pain
- Peeling or blistering skin
Please note: You might receive Alymsys (bevacizumab) along with other medications. If so, ask your provider what side effects you might expect from other anticancer medications you're taking.
Alymsys (bevacizumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Tears in the gut: fever, chills, intense stomach pain or cramps, bloating
- Fistulas: skin irritation around the anus, discharge from the anus, swelling or redness around the anus, blood in the stool
- Serious bleeding (general): unusual bleeding, bleeding that’s difficult to stop, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool
- Bleeding in the lungs: Chest pain, cough, trouble breathing, wheezing, fast heartbeat
- Stomach bleeds: tiredness, vomiting blood, stomach cramps, black or tarry stool, blood in the stool
- Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
- Blood clot in the lungs: cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
- Blood clot in the heart: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
- Blood clot in the leg: leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
- Dangerously high blood pressure: anxiety, blurry vision, confusion, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, headache
- Dangerously high blood pressure: anxiety, blurry vision, confusion, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, headache
- Serious kidney problems: trouble thinking clearly, nausea, vomiting, feeling very tired, urinating less than usual, cloudy-looking urine
- Serious infusion reactions: trouble breathing, itching or hives, flushing, swelling, chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, fainting
The following Alymsys (bevacizumab) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
body aches or pain
burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
chills
cloudy urine
cracks in the skin
decreased urine output
difficult or labored breathing
dilated neck veins
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
ear congestion
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
lack or loss of strength
lightheadedness
loss of appetite
loss of heat from the body
loss of voice
mood changes
nervousness
pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
painful or difficult urination
pinpoint red spots on the skin
pounding in the ears
rapid breathing
redness of the skin
runny or stuffy nose
seizures
sensation of pins and needles
slow or fast heartbeat
sores on the skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stabbing pain
sunken eyes
sweating
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
swollen glands
thirst
trouble breathing
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
watery or bloody diarrhea
wrinkled skin
yellow skin
Less common
Bone pain
difficulty with swallowing
fainting
severe constipation
severe vomiting
stomach pain or tenderness
Rare
Back pain
blisters
blurred vision
confusion
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
increased thirst
loss of consciousness
muscle pain or cramps
open sores
pale skin
Incidence not known
Bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds
heavy jaw feeling
high fever
hoarseness
indigestion
loosening of a tooth
pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
stomach cramping or burning
stomach pain, usually after eating a meal
sudden weakness in the arms or legs
sudden, severe chest pain
unexplained bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
voice changes
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:
More common
Belching
bloody nose
change in taste or bad unusual or unpleasant (after) taste
change in walking and balance
clumsiness or unsteadiness
excess flow of tears
stomach discomfort or upset
thinning of the hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Alymsys (bevacizumab)
Pros
- More precise in the way it targets cancer cells compared to traditional chemotherapy
- Can be combined with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of cancer
- Infusion typically given only once every 2 to 3 weeks
- An alternative option to Avastin (bevacizumab)
Cons
- Not safe during pregnancy since it can harm an unborn baby
- Can cause a rare infusion reaction during or after infusion
- Can cause serious bleeding and delayed wound healing
- Requires regular visits to the clinic or infusion center to receive your dose
Pharmacist tips for Alymsys (bevacizumab)
- Alymsys (bevacizumab) is given as an infusion into your vein by trained medical staff in a clinic or infusion center. Keep in mind that each infusion can take 30 to 90 minutes, not including the time it takes to check in and receive any other anticancer medications you might need. On infusion days, bring a snack and something to do while you wait for your infusion.
- Although uncommon, you might experience a reaction during or shortly after your Alymsys (bevacizumab) infusion, which can be life-threatening. Let your provider know or get help right away if you experience any infusion reactions like trouble breathing, hives, flushing, chest pain, skin turning blue, fast heartbeat, or dizziness.
- Alymsys (bevacizumab) can raise your blood pressure. Your provider will ask you to monitor your blood pressure regularly, typically at least once every 2 to 3 weeks, while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab). If you develop high blood pressure, your provider will likely prescribe blood pressure medications to help lower your blood pressure to a safe range.
- Alymsys (bevacizumab) can cause you to bruise or bleed more easily. To lower your risk of bleeding, consider using a soft bristle toothbrush so that it’s more gentle on your gums. Also, consider using an electric razor so you’re less likely to get nicks or cuts while shaving. Take precaution to avoid getting injured. Tell your healthcare provider of any unusual bleeding or bleeding that takes a long time to stop or gets worse over time.
- Let your provider know if you fall down or get into an accident while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab). Even if you don’t notice any signs of injuries on the outside of your body, there’s a chance that you might have bleeding on the inside of your body. It’s best to ask your provider to give you a check up to see if you need more medical attention.
- Tell you healthcare provider if you're planning to have surgery or other types of procedures. Because Alymsys (bevacizumab) can make it more difficult for your body to heal from wounds, your provider will typically ask you to stop this medication for a month before and after your procedure, until the wounds are fully healed.
- Alymsys (bevacizumab) can cause higher levels of protein in your urine, which might cause you to urinate more often, or cause your urine to look dark or cloudy. This can be a sign of kidney problems, so let your healthcare provider know if you notice changes in your urination as they might need to order lab tests to check your kidney health.
- You might experience dry skin while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab). To ease dry skin, you can apply a non-irritation lotion to your skin. Also, try to limit your time in the shower and shower with warm water instead of hot water. If you can, limiting your time under the sun can also help.
- Receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab) treatment might affect your ability to have children (fertility) if you are a female. If you have concerns or questions about this, talk with your provider before you start treatment.
Common questions about Alymsys (bevacizumab)
Alymsys (bevacizumab) isn’t a chemotherapy medication, it's a type of targeted therapy. Chemotherapy is a class of medication that kills cancer cells in your body. But chemotherapy can also kill healthy cells as well. Targeted therapy, like Alymsys (bevacizumab), works differently than chemotherapy. It doesn’t work by killing cancer cells directly, but rather it targets the proteins that control cancer cell growth. For example, Alymsys (bevacizumab) works by blocking off the blood supply to tumors, preventing tumor growth. Depending on the type of cancer you have, your provider might give you Alymsys (bevacizumab) in combination with chemotherapy medications. But for other types of cancer, your provider might give you Alymsys (bevacizumab) on its own.
Alymsys (bevacizumab) is a biosimilar to Avastin (bevacizumab). In general, you can think of a biosimilar medication as a generic to the original biologic. This means Alymsys (bevacizumab) works similarly to Avastin (bevacizumab), but they’re not exactly the same. For example, one difference is that while both Alymsys (bevacizumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab) treat similar cancer conditions, only Avastin (bevacizumab) is FDA-approved to treat liver cancer. Ask your provider if you have more questions about the differences between Alymsys (bevacizumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab).
Currently, there are three biosimilars to Avastin (bevacizumab). Besides Alymsys (bevacizumab), the others are Mvasi (bevacizumab) and Zirabev (bevacizumab). A fourth biosimilar, Vegzelma (bevacizumab), should become available in 2023. Avastin’s biosimilars haven’t been directly compared to each other, so it’s not known if one is better than the other at treating cancer. But all of them work very similarly to and are considered just as safe as Avastin. Keep in mind that Avastin and its biosimilars aren’t considered interchangeable, meaning you can’t just switch back and forth between the products. Your provider might choose one medication over the others based on different factors, such as your insurance coverage and availability of the medication.
Alymsys (bevacizumab) can raise your blood pressure, sometimes to dangerously high levels. It’s not fully understood why this happens, but Alymsys (bevacizumab) might make it more difficult for your blood vessels to relax, which can affect how well your body is able to control your blood pressure. Because of this it’s recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 to 3 weeks while you’re on treatment with Alymsys (bevacizumab). If you develop high blood pressure while on treatment with Alymsys (bevacizumab), your healthcare provider might recommend starting medication(s) to help lower your blood pressure. You can also try to control your blood pressure with lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, limiting how much alcohol you drink, and limiting how much salt is in your diet. If it’s difficult to control your blood pressure, your healthcare provider might recommend you stop treatment with Alymsys (bevacizumab).
Alymsys (bevacizumab) works to treat certain cancers by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which cuts off the blood supply to cancerous tumors. But VEGF also plays an important role in wound healing by supporting blood supply to a wound, like to an injury or cut on your body. If you get injured while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab) for cancer treatment, it might take longer for a wound or cut to heal. If you are planning to undergo surgery, let your healthcare provider know as soon as possible as your Alymsys (bevacizumab) treatments may need to be stopped temporarily at least a month before the procedure. You might not be able to restart Alymsys (bevacizumab) until your surgical wounds are healed.
You should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab) or for 6 months after your last dose because animal studies suggest that it can cause harm to the unborn baby. In addition, you shouldn’t receive Alymsys (bevacizumab) if you’re nursing. There isn’t much information about how this medication might affect a nursing baby. But to avoid the potential risk for serious harm, your provider will ask you to not breastfeed while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab) and for 6 months after your last dose. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about breastfeeding while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab).
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Risks and warnings for Alymsys (bevacizumab)
Alymsys (bevacizumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Injury in the gut and fistulas
- Risk factors: History of pelvic radiation | Receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab) for cervical cancer
Though not common, some people who took Alymsys (bevacizumab) have developed tears in their gut and fistulas (an abnormal connection from one part of the body to another). These problems are serious and can sometimes even be life-threatening. Gut injuries and fistulas are more likely to happen for people who’ve had radiation around the pelvic region or people with cervical cancer. Most gut tears appeared within 2 months of the first dose of Alymsys (bevacizumab). And most fistulae develop within 6 months of the first dose. Let your provider know if you have symptoms of gut injuries or fistulas, such as high fever, shivering, vomiting, a lot of stomach pain (especially if it doesn’t go away), pain in the anal area, or severe constipation.
Surgery and wound healing problems
Alymsys (bevacizumab) can make it more difficult for your wound to heal. Let your provider know if you’re planning to have a surgery or procedure. You shouldn’t receive Alymsys (bevacizumab) a month before and after surgery, and until surgical wounds have fully healed.
In addition, if you get injured while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab) and your wounds are healing very slowly, let your provider know. Your provider might ask you to temporarily stop this medication until your injuries have healed.
Serious bleeding
Alymsys (bevacizumab) can raise the risk of serious bleeding. Bleeding can happen in any area of the body, including in the lungs, stomach, and brain.
Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you experience any serious or unusual bleeding, especially bleeding that’s difficult to stop. Get medical help right away if you feel nauseous, have a sudden or painful headache, feel nauseous, notice a change in your vision, have stomach pain, or are coughing or spitting up blood.
Serious blood clots
- Risk factors: History of blood clots | High cholesterol | Smoking | High blood pressure | Older adult
Alymsys (bevacizumab) can raise your risk for blood clots in your body, including stroke and heart attack. Sometimes, blood clots can be life-threatening. You might be at a higher risk for clots while taking Alymsys (bevacizumab) if you’ve had blood clots in the past, have high cholesterol, smoke, or have high blood pressure. Symptoms of a blood clot might be different depending on the location of the clot. They can include trouble walking, blurry vision, breathing problems, chest pain, and swelling in the leg. Get medical attention right away if you have any of these symptoms.
High blood pressure
Alymsys (bevacizumab) can raise your blood pressure. Your provider will ask you to monitor your blood pressure at least once every 2-3 weeks while you’re receiving treatment. If your blood pressure starts to rise, your provider might ask you to start blood pressure-lowering medications for you. If your blood pressure isn’t well-controlled by medication, your provider will likely ask you to stop Alymsys (bevacizumab) until they find a treatment that can bring your blood pressure down to a safe level. If your blood pressure becomes dangerously high, your provider will likely ask you to switch to a different medication. Let your provider know if you notice symptoms of high blood pressure, such as dizziness, tiredness, and headaches.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a very rare side effect of Alymsys (bevacizumab). Let your provider know if you have any symptoms of PRES, like headache, feeling sluggish, confusion, and blindness.
Symptoms can appear anytime during Alymsys (bevacizumab) treatment, ranging from within a day of to a year after your first dose. If you develop symptoms, your provider will likely check whether or not you have PRES by ordering a brain scan called a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If you do have PRES, then it’s very likely that your provider will ask you to stop Alymsys (bevacizumab) treatment. Typically, symptoms of PRES go away within days after you stop this medication.
Kidney problems
Alymsys (bevacizumab) raises the risk of kidney problems, which can be serious. In clinical trials, people developed kidney problems anywhere from within 2 weeks to about 3 years after starting this medication. Your provider will regularly monitor your kidney health through lab work and taking urine samples while you’re receiving this medication. If you develop kidney problems, your provider might pause Alymsys (bevacizumab) until your kidney gets better. Talk to your provider if you notice any changes in how often you urinate (more or less) or any blood in your urine so they can check for kidney issues.
Infusion-related reactions
Some people have experienced very serious reactions from the IV infusions of Alymsys (bevacizumab). These reactions can occur during or even several hours after the infusion. Symptoms can include chest pain, headaches, trouble breathing, and confusion.
If you do have a reaction, your care team might slow down or stop the infusion and treat you with medications, such as corticosteroids or antihistamines, to ease your symptoms. If your reaction isn't too severe, your care team might restart Alymsys (bevacizumab) infusion at a slower rate. But if you have a serious reaction, then your provider might switch you to a different medication.
Harm to an unborn baby
Based on animal studies, it’s possible that Alymsys (bevacizumab) can cause side effects if received by mothers during pregnancy. If you’re a female who can get pregnant, your provider will ask you to use birth control while receiving Alymsys (bevacizumab) and for 6 months after the last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant during this time.
Possible risk of fertility problems (for females)
Though more research is needed, there’s a possibility that Alymsys (bevacizumab) might affect your ability to have a child (for females). If you’re a female who’s considering having children in the future, talk with your healthcare provider about possible options for egg freezing before starting treatment with Alymsys (bevacizumab).
Heart problems
- Risk factors: History of treatment anthracycline-based chemotherapy
Make sure your provider is aware of all the anticancer medications you’ve received in the past. Alymsys (bevacizumab) can raise the risk of developing heart failure for people who have received anthracycline-based chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin, in the past. This means your heart might become too weak to pump blood to other parts of your body, and you can experience symptoms such as trouble breathing, swelling in the legs or feet, or sudden weight gain. If you’ve received an anthracycline-based chemotherapy in the past, make sure your current provider is aware. They might decide to not treat you with Alymsys (bevacizumab) to avoid the risk of heart failure.
Alymsys (bevacizumab) dosage
Typical dosage for Alymsys (bevacizumab)
Alymsys (bevacizumab) is infused into the veins (IV) by a healthcare provider. Your provider will determine the right dose based on your body weight.
The typical dose of Alymsys (bevacizumab) ranges from 5 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg infused IV once every 2 to 3 weeks. Your exact dose and how often you’ll get the infusion also depends on the type of cancer you have and what other anticancer medications your provider prescribes.
Interactions between Alymsys (bevacizumab) and other drugs
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. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Tofacitinib
What are alternatives to Alymsys (bevacizumab)?
