Avastin (bevacizumab)
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2024 | Last updated: June 2024
Avastin® (bevacizumab) is a prescription drug that is sometimes prescribed to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Avastin is a type of drug known as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.1
Avastin was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat certain kinds of cancer. But it is sometimes used "off-label" for wet AMD. An off-label drug is one that has not been approved by the FDA to treat a certain condition. This also means the FDA has not yet determined the drug is safe and effective when used the way you are taking it. However, many studies have found that Avastin is safe and effective for eye disease.2,3
Avastin is given as an injection into the eye (intravitreal injection). Your doctor may combine Avastin with other treatments.1,3
What is anti-VEGF therapy?
VEGF is a protein that promotes the growth of new blood vessels. People with wet AMD have too much VEGF in their eye. This leads to abnormal growth of weak, leaky blood vessels that affect vision.4
Anti-VEGF drugs block VEGF, which reduces the growth of weak, leaky blood vessels. This can slow the progression of wet AMD.4
How does Avastin work?
Avastin binds to VEGF, which helps slow the growth of new blood vessels and prevent weak, leaky blood vessels from developing in the eye. This process helps to preserve your existing vision and slow the progression of wet AMD.1
What are the possible side effects of Avastin?
The most common side effects of Avastin include:1,3
- Eye redness
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Eye pain
- Temporary blurry vision
- Floaters
These are not all the possible side effects of Avastin. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when being treated with Avastin. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when receiving Avastin.
Other things to know
Before starting treatment with Avastin, tell your doctor if you have:1,3
- An eye infection
- Eye pain
Avastin may harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Avastin. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Avastin and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Avastin.1
Before beginning treatment for macular degeneration, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.