Avastin Could Harm Fertility

Roche’s cancer drug Avastin could affect fertility in some women, the Food and Drug Administration is reporting. A new warning about “ovarian failure” has been added to Avastin’s label, and doctors are being advised to educate women of child-bearing age that Avastin may stop ovaries from releasing eggs regularly.

Other updated information in the drug label includes a warning about the risk of blood clots and bleeding risk. The label also warns about possible side effects that include stroke, fatal bleeding, and heart attacks.

The information about the fertility risk comes from a study of 179 women with colon cancer being treated with a chemotherapy regimen called Folfox. Approximately half the women received Avastin in addition to chemotherapy. According to the study, about 34% of women receiving Avastin experienced ovary failure, compared to 2% of women not receiving Avastin.

The updated label is separate from a pending decision from the FDA on whether Avastin will be stripped of approval for breast cancer treatment.

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