discover the facts about - avastin€¦ · including serious side effects, for additional important...

Additional resourcesIf you’d like to join a support group, ask your health care team if there’s one in your area. Here are some national organizations that provide services to people with cancer and their families:

American Lung AssociationProvides information on lung disease, research, and statistics, plus local programs and events.Visit www.lungusa.org or call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872)

Lung Cancer AlliancePrograms include an information and referral service, a peer-to-peer support network, a directory of online education, and a national education and advocacy campaign.Visit www.lungcanceralliance.org or call 1-800-298-2436

Free to BreatheProvides educational materials, inspirational stories and blogs, information on clinical trials,and additional resources.Visit www.freetobreathe.org or call 1-844-835-4325

Information is provided for informational purposes and convenience only.Genentech is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained on a third-party site and does not recommend or endorse the content provided on the site.The information provided by Genentech USA, Inc. or these organizations is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace a physician’s medical advice.

Please see pages throughout this brochure and accompanying full Product Information,including Serious Side Effects, for additional important safety information.

Avastin, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, is approved to treat advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in people who have not received chemotherapy for their advanced disease.

Please see pages throughout this brochure and accompanying full Product Information, including Serious Side Effects, for additional important safety information.

FOR ADVANCED NON –SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC) PATIENTS

*Anti-angiogenesis.

Discover the facts about tumor-starving* therapy

Possible serious side effects

The information in this brochure is not meant to be medical advice and should not replace the advice of your doctor.

Everyone reacts differently to Avastin therapy. So it’s important to know what the side effects are.

Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not. Your doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur.

Be sure to contact your health care team if there are any signs of these side effects.

GI PERFORATIONA hole that develops in your stomach or intestine. Symptoms include pain in your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or fever.

WOUNDS THAT DON’T HEALA cut made during surgery can be slow to heal or may not fully heal. Avastin should not be used for at least 28 days before or after surgery and until surgical wounds are fully healed.

SERIOUS BLEEDINGThis includes vomiting or coughing up blood; bleeding in the stomach, brain, or spinal cord; nosebleeds; and vaginal bleeding. If you recently coughed up blood or had serious bleeding, be sure to tell your doctor.

Most serious side effects (not common, but sometimes fatal):

What you should know about Avastin

Avastin is a tumor-starving (anti-angiogenic) therapy. Avastin works differently than chemotherapy

Avastin is used with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) for advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer, also known as NSCLC

In clinical studies, people with advanced NSCLC were more likely to live longer when Avastin was added to this chemotherapy

In clinical studies, Avastin was shown to shrink tumors when taken along with this chemotherapy

There are serious side effects associated with Avastin therapy. You should discuss any side effects with your doctor

Avastin Access Solutions may be able to help you understand how to get the medicine you need. For more information, please call 1-888-249-4918.

Visit www.Avastin.com.

About AvastinAvastin is a tumor-starving (or anti-angiogenic) therapy. Avastin works differently than chemotherapy. For advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Avastin is taken with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy), and hits your cancer from another angle.

The difference between Avastin and chemotherapyChemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells, like cancer cells. The purpose of Avastin is to prevent the growth of new blood vessels. This includes normal blood vessels and blood vessels that feed tumors.

Starving your tumorThe purpose of Avastin is to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. Normal cells produce VEGF, but cancer cells overproduce VEGF. Blocking VEGF may prevent the growth of new blood vessels, including normal blood vessels and blood vessels that feed tumors.

* Avastin is used with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) for advanced NSCLC.

Tumor before treatmentNew blood vessels feed the tumor so it can grow and spread.

Tumor with Avastin and chemotherapy* Avastin helps prevent blood vessels from reaching the tumor; this could starve the tumor.

Blood VesselsAvastin therapy prevents the growth of blood vessels

Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells

About AvastinAvastin is a tumor-starving (or anti-angiogenic) therapy. Avastin works differently than chemotherapy. For advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Avastin is taken with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy), and hits your cancer from another angle.

The difference between Avastin and chemotherapyChemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells, like cancer cells. The purpose of Avastin is to prevent the growth of new blood vessels. This includes normal blood vessels and blood vessels that feed tumors.

Starving your tumorThe purpose of Avastin is to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. Normal cells produce VEGF, but cancer cells overproduce VEGF. Blocking VEGF may prevent the growth of new blood vessels, including normal blood vessels and blood vessels that feed tumors.

* Avastin is used with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) for advanced NSCLC.

Tumor before treatmentNew blood vessels feed the tumor so it can grow and spread.

Tumor with Avastin and chemotherapy* Avastin helps prevent blood vessels from reaching the tumor; this could starve the tumor.

Blood VesselsAvastin therapy prevents the growth of blood vessels

Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells

Avastin has been shown to effectively treat advanced NSCLC.

—Lorraine, oncology nurse

The benefits of Avastin therapyAvastin, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, is approved to treat advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (nsNSCLC) in people who have not received chemotherapy for their advanced disease.

Important Safety InformationThe most common side effects of Avastin are high blood pressure, too much protein in the urine, nosebleeds, rectal bleeding, back pain, headache, taste change, dry skin, inflammation of the skin, inflammation of the nose, and watery eyes.

Studies have also shown that there are serious side effects associated with Avastin therapy. To learn more about some of these side effects, please see the next page.

In a clinical study, Avastin was shown to extend the life of people with advanced nsNSCLC when taken with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) instead of chemotherapy alone (12.3 months vs 10.3 months)In a clinical study, it was shown that adding Avastin to carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) can help people with advanced nsNSCLC:

Individual results may vary.

The length of time people lived without their tumors growing or spreading increased significantly More people saw their tumors shrink

Avastin +

35% vs 15%

Avastin + chemo

6.2 months vs 4.5 months

Avastin has been shown to effectively treat advanced NSCLC.

—Lorraine, oncology nurse

The benefits of Avastin therapyAvastin, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, is approved to treat advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (nsNSCLC) in people who have not received chemotherapy for their advanced disease.

Important Safety InformationThe most common side effects of Avastin are high blood pressure, too much protein in the urine, nosebleeds, rectal bleeding, back pain, headache, taste change, dry skin, inflammation of the skin, inflammation of the nose, and watery eyes.

Studies have also shown that there are serious side effects associated with Avastin therapy. To learn more about some of these side effects, please see the next page.

In a clinical study, Avastin was shown to extend the life of people with advanced nsNSCLC when taken with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) instead of chemotherapy alone (12.3 months vs 10.3 months)In a clinical study, it was shown that adding Avastin to carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) can help people with advanced nsNSCLC:

Individual results may vary.

The length of time people lived without their tumors growing or spreading increased significantly More people saw their tumors shrink

Avastin +

35% vs 15%

Avastin + chemo

6.2 months vs 4.5 months

Other possible serious side effects of Avastin

Across different cancers

% = Percentage of patients who had this side effect in clinical studies across different cancers

SEVERE HIGH BLOOD PRESSUREBlood pressure that severely spikes or shows signs of affecting the brain. Blood pressure should be monitored every 2 to 3 weeks while on Avastin and after stopping treatment.

SEVERE STROKE OR HEART PROBLEMSThese may include blood clots, mini-stroke, heart attack, chest pain, and your heart may become too weak to pump blood to other parts of your body (congestive heart failure, 1%). These can sometimes be fatal.

INFUSION REACTIONSThese were uncommon with the first dose (less than 3% of patients). 0.2% of patients had severe reactions. Infusion reactions include high blood pressure or severe high blood pressure that may lead to stroke, trouble breathing, decreased oxygen in red blood cells, a serious allergic reaction, chest pain, headache, tremors, and excessive sweating. Your doctor or nurse will monitor you for signs of infusion reactions.

2%UP TO

3%UP TO

UP TO 7%

KIDNEY PROBLEMSThese may be caused by too much protein in the urine and can sometimes be fatal.

ABNORMAL PASSAGE IN THE BODY NOT INVOLVING YOUR STOMACH OR INTESTINEThis type of passage—known as a fistula—is an irregular connection from one part of the body to another and can sometimes be fatal.

NERVOUS SYSTEM AND VISION PROBLEMSSigns include headache, seizure, high blood pressure, sluggishness, confusion, and blindness.

UP TO 11%

Other possible serious side effects of Avastin

Across different cancers

% = Percentage of patients who had this side effect in clinical studies across different cancers

SEVERE HIGH BLOOD PRESSUREBlood pressure that severely spikes or shows signs of affecting the brain. Blood pressure should be monitored every 2 to 3 weeks while on Avastin and after stopping treatment.

SEVERE STROKE OR HEART PROBLEMSThese may include blood clots, mini-stroke, heart attack, chest pain, and your heart may become too weak to pump blood to other parts of your body (congestive heart failure, 1%). These can sometimes be fatal.

INFUSION REACTIONSThese were uncommon with the first dose (less than 3% of patients). 0.2% of patients had severe reactions. Infusion reactions include high blood pressure or severe high blood pressure that may lead to stroke, trouble breathing, decreased oxygen in red blood cells, a serious allergic reaction, chest pain, headache, tremors, and excessive sweating. Your doctor or nurse will monitor you for signs of infusion reactions.

2%UP TO

3%UP TO

UP TO 7%

KIDNEY PROBLEMSThese may be caused by too much protein in the urine and can sometimes be fatal.

ABNORMAL PASSAGE IN THE BODY NOT INVOLVING YOUR STOMACH OR INTESTINEThis type of passage—known as a fistula—is an irregular connection from one part of the body to another and can sometimes be fatal.

NERVOUS SYSTEM AND VISION PROBLEMSSigns include headache, seizure, high blood pressure, sluggishness, confusion, and blindness.

UP TO 11%

Side effects of Avastin in advanced nsNSCLC% = Percentage of patients who had this side effect in clinical studies

LIFE-THREATENING TO FATAL SIDE EFFECTS CHEMO+AVASTIN (n=427)

CHEMO ALONE (n=441)

• LOWER THAN NORMAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT 27% 17%• TIREDNESS 16% 13%• HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 8% 0.7%• INFECTION WITHOUT LOWER THAN NORMAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT 7% 3%• BLOOD CLOTS IN THE VEINS 5% 3%• FEVER WITH LOWER THAN NORMAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT 5% 2%• LUNG INFLAMMATION 5% 3%• INFECTION WITH LOWER THAN NORMAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT 4% 2%• ABNORMALLY LOW SODIUM THAT COULD LEAD TO SEIZURE OR COMA 4% 1%• HEADACHE 3% 1%• TOO MUCH PROTEIN IN THE URINE 3% 0%

Possible side effects of Avastin in advanced NSCLCSee the table below for select side effects that increased by 2% or more in patients who added Avastin to carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy).

Side effects can be difficult to understand. Use this section to write down anything you discuss with your doctor.

Side effects of Avastin in advanced nsNSCLC% = Percentage of patients who had this side effect in clinical studies

LIFE-THREATENING TO FATAL SIDE EFFECTS CHEMO+AVASTIN (n=427)

CHEMO ALONE (n=441)

• LOWER THAN NORMAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT 27% 17%• TIREDNESS 16% 13%• HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 8% 0.7%• INFECTION WITHOUT LOWER THAN NORMAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT 7% 3%• BLOOD CLOTS IN THE VEINS 5% 3%• FEVER WITH LOWER THAN NORMAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT 5% 2%• LUNG INFLAMMATION 5% 3%• INFECTION WITH LOWER THAN NORMAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT 4% 2%• ABNORMALLY LOW SODIUM THAT COULD LEAD TO SEIZURE OR COMA 4% 1%• HEADACHE 3% 1%• TOO MUCH PROTEIN IN THE URINE 3% 0%

Possible side effects of Avastin in advanced NSCLCSee the table below for select side effects that increased by 2% or more in patients who added Avastin to carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy).

Side effects can be difficult to understand. Use this section to write down anything you discuss with your doctor.

Side effects seen most oftenIn clinical studies across different types of cancer, some patients experienced the following side effects:

Avastin is not for everyone

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

If you have any questions about your condition or treatment, talk to your doctor.

• HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE • TASTE CHANGE

• TOO MUCH PROTEIN IN THE URINE • DRY SKIN

• NOSEBLEEDS • INFLAMMATION OF THE SKIN

• RECTAL BLEEDING • INFLAMMATION OF THE NOSE

• BACK PAIN • WATERY EYES

• HEADACHE

Talk to your doctor if you are:

UNDERGOING SURGERYAvastin should not be used for 28 days before or after surgery and until surgical wounds are fully healed.

PREGNANT OR THINK YOU ARE PREGNANTData have shown that Avastin may harm your unborn baby. Use birth control while on Avastin. If you stop Avastin, you should keep using birth control for 6 months before trying to become pregnant.

PLANNING TO BECOME PREGNANTTaking Avastin could cause a woman’s ovaries to stop working and may impair her ability to have children.

BREASTFEEDINGBreastfeeding while on Avastin may harm your baby and is therefore not recommended during and for six months after taking Avastin.

Side effects seen most oftenIn clinical studies across different types of cancer, some patients experienced the following side effects:

Avastin is not for everyone

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

If you have any questions about your condition or treatment, talk to your doctor.

• HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE • TASTE CHANGE

• TOO MUCH PROTEIN IN THE URINE • DRY SKIN

• NOSEBLEEDS • INFLAMMATION OF THE SKIN

• RECTAL BLEEDING • INFLAMMATION OF THE NOSE

• BACK PAIN • WATERY EYES

• HEADACHE

Talk to your doctor if you are:

UNDERGOING SURGERYAvastin should not be used for 28 days before or after surgery and until surgical wounds are fully healed.

PREGNANT OR THINK YOU ARE PREGNANTData have shown that Avastin may harm your unborn baby. Use birth control while on Avastin. If you stop Avastin, you should keep using birth control for 6 months before trying to become pregnant.

PLANNING TO BECOME PREGNANTTaking Avastin could cause a woman’s ovaries to stop working and may impair her ability to have children.

BREASTFEEDINGBreastfeeding while on Avastin may harm your baby and is therefore not recommended during and for six months after taking Avastin.

Taking AvastinWhen do I take Avastin?Avastin is taken every 3 weeks to treat your advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Because Avastin can be scheduled on the same day you get your carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy), it may not require extra trips to an infusion center.

How do I take Avastin?You take Avastin as an infusion. That means you receive Avastin through a small needle in your vein or through a port, which is a device placed under the skin.

What can I expect from my infusion?Your doctor or nurse will monitor you for signs of infusion reactions, and may stop Avastin treatment if severe reactions occur. Reactions can include high blood pressure or severe high blood pressure that may lead to stroke, trouble breathing, decreased oxygen in red blood cells, a serious allergic reaction, chest pain, headache, tremors, and excessive sweating.

You always get the same dose of Avastin. If your Avastin

infusions are tolerated, they can take as little as 30 minutes.

Avastin is taken every 3 weeks

If your Avastin infusions are tolerated:

1st infusion 2nd infusion 3rd infusion Future infusions

90 60 30 30minutesminutes

minutes minutes

Taking AvastinWhen do I take Avastin?Avastin is taken every 3 weeks to treat your advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Because Avastin can be scheduled on the same day you get your carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy), it may not require extra trips to an infusion center.

How do I take Avastin?You take Avastin as an infusion. That means you receive Avastin through a small needle in your vein or through a port, which is a device placed under the skin.

What can I expect from my infusion?Your doctor or nurse will monitor you for signs of infusion reactions, and may stop Avastin treatment if severe reactions occur. Reactions can include high blood pressure or severe high blood pressure that may lead to stroke, trouble breathing, decreased oxygen in red blood cells, a serious allergic reaction, chest pain, headache, tremors, and excessive sweating.

You always get the same dose of Avastin. If your Avastin

infusions are tolerated, they can take as little as 30 minutes.

Avastin is taken every 3 weeks

If your Avastin infusions are tolerated:

1st infusion 2nd infusion 3rd infusion Future infusions

90 60 30 30minutesminutes

minutes minutes

How long do I take Avastin?You start taking Avastin with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) to treat your advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). And you keep taking Avastin as long as your disease is controlled and your side effects are manageable.

By continuing to take Avastin, you may be able to continue to keep your cancer controlled.

Chemotherapy*

Avastin

If you stop taking carboplatin and paclitaxel,* you may still take Avastin

as long as your disease is controlled and your side effects are manageable.

Important Safety InformationAvastin may cause severe stroke or heart problems. These may include blood clots, mini-stroke, heart attack, chest pain, and your heart may become too weak to pump blood to other parts of your body (congestive heart failure). These can sometimes be fatal.

* Carboplatin and paclitaxel are given for up to 6 cycles.

What to remember about AvastinThere are some side effects that may require you to stop Avastin. But as long as your side effects stay manageable and your cancer is under control, you should keep taking Avastin.

If you are having issues paying for Avastin, call Avastin Access Solutions (1-888-249-4918) for resources that can connect you to the medicine you need.

Continue taking Avastin even if:

You finish your carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) treatment

You want a break from your treatment and your side effects are manageable

You are seeing good results. Continuing to take Avastin may help to control your cancer

You stop carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) because of side effects

How long do I take Avastin?You start taking Avastin with carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) to treat your advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). And you keep taking Avastin as long as your disease is controlled and your side effects are manageable.

By continuing to take Avastin, you may be able to continue to keep your cancer controlled.

Chemotherapy*

Avastin

If you stop taking carboplatin and paclitaxel,* you may still take Avastin

as long as your disease is controlled and your side effects are manageable.

Important Safety InformationAvastin may cause severe stroke or heart problems. These may include blood clots, mini-stroke, heart attack, chest pain, and your heart may become too weak to pump blood to other parts of your body (congestive heart failure). These can sometimes be fatal.

* Carboplatin and paclitaxel are given for up to 6 cycles.

What to remember about AvastinThere are some side effects that may require you to stop Avastin. But as long as your side effects stay manageable and your cancer is under control, you should keep taking Avastin.

If you are having issues paying for Avastin, call Avastin Access Solutions (1-888-249-4918) for resources that can connect you to the medicine you need.

Continue taking Avastin even if:

You finish your carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) treatment

You want a break from your treatment and your side effects are manageable

You are seeing good results. Continuing to take Avastin may help to control your cancer

You stop carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) because of side effects

Help From Avastin Access SolutionsYour health insurance plan and the cost of your medicine might keep you from getting your prescribed treatment. Avastin Access Solutions may be able to help.

Avastin Access Solutions can find out:

• If your health insurance plan covers your Avastin

• How much your co-pay will be

There are options to help you get the medicine your doctor has prescribed. Avastin Access Solutions can refer you to patient assistance options.

For more information, please visit www.Genentech-Access.com/Avastin/patients or call 1-888-249-4918

Avastin Access Solutions

Life is a gift. So I’m doing what I can to fight cancer.

—Juanita, mother, grandmother, scrapbooker

This patient story is representative of the patient at the time of interview. The current status of the patient is not represented here.

Help From Avastin Access SolutionsYour health insurance plan and the cost of your medicine might keep you from getting your prescribed treatment. Avastin Access Solutions may be able to help.

Avastin Access Solutions can find out:

• If your health insurance plan covers your Avastin

• How much your co-pay will be

There are options to help you get the medicine your doctor has prescribed. Avastin Access Solutions can refer you to patient assistance options.

For more information, please visit www.Genentech-Access.com/Avastin/patients or call 1-888-249-4918

Avastin Access Solutions

Life is a gift. So I’m doing what I can to fight cancer.

—Juanita, mother, grandmother, scrapbooker

This patient story is representative of the patient at the time of interview. The current status of the patient is not represented here.

Avastin in Action This simple animated video walks you through the steps of how Avastin is designed to work.

Downloadable Resources Access informational brochures, treatment tools, and more.

Patient Support Programs Explore additional care networks that can help support you throughout your treatment.

Avastin.comThe Avastin website can be a helpful resource for you during treatment. You can visit at any time for information about Avastin, patient stories, and more.

Visit www.Avastin.com TODAY

Questions about Avastin to ask your doctor1. Is Avastin right for me?

2. How is Avastin different from chemotherapy?

3. What should I know about the side effects of Avastin?

4. If I stop taking carboplatin and paclitaxel (chemotherapy) because of side effects, can I still take Avastin?

5. How often do I take Avastin?