Bevacizumab(Avastin®)是用於對抗血管內皮生長因子(VEGF)的重組人單克隆抗體(recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody), 加拿大衛生部(Health Canada)與羅氏公司(Roche)近日發佈了關於其安全性的最新資訊。最近臨床試驗的發現指出, 高達5%接受bevacizumab的病人出現了嚴重的過敏反應和輸注反應, 症狀包括窒息﹑面潮紅/皮疹﹑低血壓或高血壓﹑缺氧﹑胸痛﹑寒戰以及噁心/嘔吐。因此, 加拿大衛生部提醒醫生及其他衛生專業人士：
1. 於輸注bevacizumab期間及用藥後, 嚴密監測病人有否出現上述症狀。
2. 如病人發生輸注反應, 應停止輸注bevacizumab以及採取適當的治療措施。
Both Health Canada and Roche, Canada jointly announced the latest safety update on bevacizumab (Avastin®), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Recent findings from the clinical trials identified serious hypersensitivity and infusion reactions up to 5% in bevacizumab -treated patient including dyspnea, flushing/redness/rash, hypotension or hypertension, oxygen desaturation, chest pain, rigors, and nausea/vomiting. Thus, Health Canada would remind prescribers and healthcare professionals about the following：
1. Patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms as described above during and following the administration of bevacizumab infusion .
2. If a reaction occurs, bevacizumab should be interrupted and appropriate medical therapies should be initiated.
參考資料/References and websites：
https://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/prof/_2010/avastin_5_hpc-cps-eng.php
https://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/public/_2010/avastin_5_pc-cp-eng.php