The association of bevacizumab (Avastin®) with hypersensitivity reactions and infusion reactions

Roche would like to update healthcare professionals on the risk of patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions or infusion reactions after receiving bevacizumab (Avastin®). From the review of 13 controlled clinical trials involving more than 8,400 patients, Roche noted imbalances in hypersensitivity and infusion reactions among patients treated with Avastin® and chemotherapy in some clinical studies. A cumulative search of Roche's safety database also identified seven cases of positive re-challenge and two cases with positive cutaneous test amongst 273 reports of hypersensitivity retrieved, though it has been noted that majority of the cases were confounded by concomitant chemotherapy. Physicians are advised to closely monitor patients during and after Avastin® infusion and to stop the infusion and administer appropriate therapies if a reaction occurs.
Healthcare professional, Therapeutic Products
Published:

Dear Healthcare Professional Letters

12 Dec 2019

Only abstracts of the Dear Healthcare Professional Letters (DHCPL) are provided on this website. Details of the letters can be found on the MOH Alert System, which is accessible via the Health Professionals Portal (HPP). HPP is a one-stop portal for all healthcare professionals in Singapore. Dentists, medical doctors and pharmacists may access HPP at https://www.moh.gov.sg/hpp/, and follow the procedures below to access the MOH Alert system.

Step 1: On the top navigation ribbon of webpage, select 'For Healthcare Professionals' followed by 'Health Professionals Portal' and click on the choice of profession. User will be redirected to the specific HPP webpage for the selected profession.

Step 2: Click on the Restricted Content icon on the left panel of webpage and login via SingPass.

Step 3: Click on the MOH Alert icon under ‘Applications’ section

Step 4: Click on the Drug Alert tab to view the DHCPLs.