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Vegzelma

Generic name: bevacizumabbev-a-CIZ-oo-mab ]
Brand names: Alymsys, Avastin, Mvasi, Vegzelma, Zirabev
Drug class: VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 30, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Vegzelma?

Vegzelma is used in adults alone or in combination with other cancer treatments to treat a certain type of brain tumor and certain types of cancers of the kidney, liver, lung, colon, rectum, cervix, ovary, or fallopian tube.

Vegzelma is also used to treat cancer of the membrane lining the internal organs in your abdomen. It is usually given as part of a combination of cancer medicines.

Vegzelma may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vegzelma side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Vegzelma can cause a serious but rare neurologic disorder that affects the brain. Symptoms may occur within hours of your first dose or may not appear for up to a year after your treatment started. Call your doctor at once if you have: extreme weakness or tiredness, headache, confusion, vision problems, fainting, or seizures (blackout or convulsions).

Vegzelma can cause you to bleed more easily. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have:

Some people taking Vegzelma have developed a perforation (a hole or tear) or a fistula (an abnormal passageway) in the stomach, intestines, throat, lungs, gallbladder, kidney, bladder, or vagina. Call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or if you feel like you are choking when you eat or drink.

Also call your doctor if you have:

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of Vegzelma may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Vegzelma can make it easier for you to bleed. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop. Bleeding may also happen inside your body.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to use Vegzelma if you are being treating with other cancer medicines such as doxorubicin, daunorubicin, or if you have or ever had:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use effective birth control while using Vegzelma and for at least 6 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.

Vegzelma may cause a woman's ovaries to stop working correctly. Symptoms of ovarian failure include 3 or more missed menstrual periods in a row. It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using Vegzelma and after this treatment. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

How is Vegzelma given?

Vegzelma is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your caregivers right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, or have a headache, shortness of breath, or chest pain during the injection.

Vegzelma is usually given once every 2 or 3 weeks.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

You may need frequent medical tests and your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Vegzelma.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving Vegzelma?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What other drugs will affect Vegzelma?

Tell your doctor about all other cancer treatments you are receiving.

Other drugs may affect Vegzelma, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Does Vegzelma interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Vegzelma Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for Vegzelma.

Avastin (bevacizumab) - Genentech, Inc.
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL)
Single-Dose Vial 400 mg/16 mL (25 mg/mL)

View Avastin information in detail.

Avastin biosimilar products

Biosimilar products can only be dispensed in place of the reference product if the healthcare provider specifically prescribes the biosimilar product by name.

Pharmacy laws for biosimilar prescribing may vary by state

Alymsys (bevacizumab-maly) - Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL)
Single-Dose Vial 400 mg/16 mL (25 mg/mL)

View Alymsys information in detail.

Avzivi (bevacizumab-tnjn) - Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd.
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL)
Single-Dose Vial 400 mg/16 mL (25 mg/mL)

View Avzivi information in detail.

Mvasi (bevacizumab-awwb) - Amgen Inc.
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL)
Single-Dose Vial 400 mg/16 mL (25 mg/mL)

View Mvasi information in detail.

Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd) - CELLTRION, Inc.
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL)
Single-Dose Vial 400 mg/16 mL (25 mg/mL)
Zirabev (bevacizumab-bvzr) - Pfizer Inc.
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL)
Single-Dose Vial 400 mg/16 mL (25 mg/mL)

View Zirabev information in detail.

Popular FAQ

What are biosimilar drugs and how do they compare to biologics?

A biosimilar is a biological product that is similar to a reference biologic (usually the originally approved product) and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency. One example is Amjevita (adalimumab-atto), the first biosimilar approved for Humira (adalimumab) in 2016. Continue reading

What’s the difference between Eylea, Eylea HD, and Avastin?

Eylea, Eylea HD, and Avastin may all be used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as injections into the eye (intravitreal injections). Both Eylea and Eylea HD are FDA-approved for this indication, but use of Avastin is off-label (not an FDA-approved indication - although it has been used for this purpose since 2005). Eylea HD is a longer acting version of Eylea. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.