Avastin bad experience

After one treatment?
Sounds like Avastin was really rough for you. I'm sorry to hear that. My husband had to quit it after two months because he got a huge blood clot in a varicose vein in his leg. He is now on Lovenox shots every day because of it. Am glad that you are feeling much better and hope that your total recovery is very quick!

taraHK said:

or?
I've had some colitis (nothing as bad as what you have been thro!) probably due to CPT11 (Irinotecan). I wonder if that could be the culprit? (I'm not on Avastin -- and didn't have any problems when I was). But I'm sure you and your doc have already sorted through all the possibilities. So glad you are feeling OK now....

Tara

Colon
Hi: I had a terrible experience with iczhemic colitus (spelling!) after my first treatment of cisplatin - ended up in the hospital as well for 10 days because the transverse colon was inflamed with some dead cells. The oncologist reduced the cisplatin dosage. I have had similar problems off and on with oxaliplatin (and perhaps irenotecan) but not nearly as bad as my first experience. I'm not on Avastin either but it may be the platinum-based chemicals?
Cheryl

Avastin and Irinotecan
Avastin can cause bowel perforation in rare cases. But I've never heard of it causing colitis or other bowel troubles.

Irinotecan is the chemo that destroys the intestines. It is known for both early and late onset diarrhea. What you have described sounds much like the late onset diarrhea. The drug metabolizes again in the intestine about 8-12 days after inital infusion. I get nailed with it every time, and it has taken a lot of trial and error to get it under control (most of the time I can get it under control - but still have problems). Severe stomach and bowel pain, severe diarrhea, lots of gas. I don't get anything as severe as what you just dealt with, but it is pretty tough.

Avastin normally causes high blood pressure, blood clots, nose bleeds, slow to no healing of wounds, protein in the urine (kidney damage), or perforated colon if it is going to mess with you.

I wouldn't be so sure that things will change for you by dropping the Avastin. It could very likely be the Irinotecan that caused your troubles. I would talk with your oncologist about this again.

The info below is from ChemoCare, which is a great site for chemo drug info (I get all of these side effects)

The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking irinotecan:
•Diarrhea; two types early and late forms.
•Early diarrhea: Occurring within 24 hours of receiving drug, accompanied by symptoms runny nose, increased salivation, watery eyes, sweating, flushing, abdominal cramping. (This can occur while the drug is being administered. If so, alert your healthcare professional promptly. Medication can be given to stop and/or lessen this early side effect).
•Late diarrhea: Occurring greater than 24 hours of receiving drug, usually peaks at about 11 days after treatment. Because of concerns of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances with diarrhea it is important to be in contact with health care professionals for monitoring, and for medication and diet modifications advice.
•Nausea and vomiting.
•Weakness.
•Low white blood cell count. (This can put you at increased risk for infection).
•Low red blood cell count (anemia).
•Hair loss
•Poor appetite
•Fever
•Weight loss


I also get all of these side effects (although the constipation is only due to other drugs I think.

These side effects are less common side effects (occurring in about 10-29%) of patients receiving irinotecan:

•Constipation
•Shortness of breath
•Insomnia (see sleep problems)
•Cough
•Headache
•Dehydration
•Chills (see flu-like symptoms)
•Skin rash (see skin reaction)
•Flatulence (see abdominal pain)
•Flushing of face during infusion
•Mouth sores
•Heartburn
•Swelling of feet and ankles
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Here is Avastin info:
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking avastin:

•Generalized Weakness
•Pain
•Abdominal pain
•Nausea & vomiting
•Poor appetite
•Constipation
•Upper respiratory infection
•Low white blood cell count. (This can put you at increased risk for infection.)
• Proteinuria (see kidney problems)
•Nose bleed (see bleeding problems)
•Diarrhea
•Hair loss
•Mouth sores
•Headache
These side effects are less common side effects (occurring in about 10-29%) of patients receiving avastin:

•Shortness of breath
•Dizziness
•High blood pressure
•Weight loss
•Muscle aches and pains
These are rare but serious complications of avastin therapy.

•Gastrointestinal perforation/ fistula formation/ wound healing complications
•Hemorrhage (severe bleeding)
•Hypertensive crisis (severe high blood pressure)
•Nephrotic Syndrome - a condition marked by very high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria), low levels of protein in the blood, swelling, especially around the eyes, feet and hands. This syndrome is caused by damage to the glomeruli (tiny blood vessels in the kidney that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine).
•Congestive heart failure in patients who have received prior treatment with anthracycline based chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to the chest wall.