Avastin (bevacizumab) is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it’s delivered directly into a vein through a drip line. It is not taken as a pill, and it cannot be injected as a quick shot. The first infusion takes about 90 minutes, but subsequent sessions can be significantly shorter once your care team confirms you’re tolerating the drug well.
What Happens During the Infusion
Before the infusion begins, your dose of Avastin is diluted in 100 mL of normal saline (a sterile saltwater solution). It cannot be mixed with sugar-based solutions. The prepared bag is then connected to an IV line, and the medication drips into your bloodstream at a controlled rate.
Your first infusion is administered over 90 minutes. This slower pace gives your medical team time to watch for any reactions. If you tolerate that first session without problems, the second infusion is shortened to 60 minutes. If the 60-minute infusion also goes smoothly, every infusion after that takes just 30 minutes. So while the first visit may feel long, the time commitment drops quickly.
You’ll receive your infusions at a cancer treatment center, hospital outpatient clinic, or infusion suite. A nurse will monitor you during the process, checking for signs of an infusion reaction such as changes in blood pressure, chest tightness, or wheezing. Most people sit in a reclining chair, and you’re free to read, watch something on your phone, or rest while the drip runs.
How Often You’ll Receive It
Avastin is typically given every two or three weeks, depending on the type of cancer being treated and the chemotherapy regimen it’s paired with. Your dose is calculated based on your body weight in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), so two patients with the same diagnosis may receive different amounts. The treatment schedule repeats in cycles for as long as the drug continues to be effective and you’re tolerating it.
Avastin is almost always given alongside other chemotherapy drugs rather than on its own. In many treatment plans, you’ll receive Avastin first (or after) the other medications during the same visit, so the entire infusion appointment may last several hours even though the Avastin portion itself is relatively brief.
Infusion Reactions and What to Expect
Infusion reactions are possible but not common. Symptoms can include a drop or spike in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or flushing. If a reaction occurs during your infusion, the nurse will pause or slow the drip and treat the symptoms before deciding whether to continue. Severe reactions are rare, and the stepped approach to infusion times (90 minutes, then 60, then 30) is specifically designed to catch problems early.
Mild side effects like a headache or slight nausea during or after the infusion are more typical. These usually resolve on their own within a few hours. Longer-term side effects of Avastin, such as high blood pressure or slower wound healing, are related to the drug’s mechanism of action rather than the infusion process itself.
Surgery and Timing Considerations
Because Avastin works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels, it can interfere with wound healing. If you need surgery, your care team will typically pause Avastin well in advance of the procedure and wait until you’ve healed adequately before restarting it. Let any surgeon or dentist know you’re receiving Avastin so they can coordinate timing with your oncologist.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
There’s no special preparation required before an Avastin infusion. Eating a light meal beforehand and staying hydrated can help you feel more comfortable during the session. Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily, since the IV line is usually placed in your forearm or hand. Bring something to keep you occupied, especially for the first visit when the infusion runs longer.
Your blood pressure will likely be checked before and after each infusion, since Avastin can raise it over time. Some clinics also run blood tests at regular intervals to monitor kidney function and other markers. These checks are routine and don’t require any extra visits beyond your scheduled infusion days.