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Regimen Information

For FOLFOX + Avastin, including Side Effects

FOLFOX + Avastin

For the treatment of Colon Cancer

How FOLFOX + Avastin chemotherapy is given and possible side effects.

FOLFOX + Avastin for the treatment of Colon Cancer

FOLFOX is the acronym for a chemotherapy regimen used in the treatment of colon cancer.

DRUGS IN THE FOLFOX + AVASTIN COMBINATION:

FOL

= Leucovorin Calcium (Folinic Acid)

F

= Fluorouracil

OX

= Oxaliplatin

+ Bevacizumab (Avastin)

Chemotherapy is often given as a combination of drugs. Combinations usually work better than single drugs because different drugs kill cancer cells in different ways.

MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF FOLFOX + AVASTIN

  • Risk of Infection

  • Diarrhea

  • Mouth Sores

  • Hand Foot Syndrome

For more information, see the 'Expert Resources' tab below.

Community Responses

Often, the most helpful information regarding treatment side effects comes not from clinical brochures, but rather from other patients like you. We've collected the most helpful community resources to help you prepare for the side effects and coping tips for your chemotherapy regimen.

What side effects did you experience while on this medication?

The following have been voted the 3 most helpful responses to this question.

Hi, I'm Dan G J.

The main problem for me right now is constipation. It has caused me a lot of discomfort in the anal area from straining to have bm. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to relieve this problem? I’m concerned because it’s like having diaper rash.

  • Sun Dec 29, 2019
I'm Martha I am currently undergoing treatment for Stage 4 Colon Cancer. So far so good.

I have had 9 treatments of FloFox with Avasitn and the worst side affect is the neurpathay. I am scheduled for 12 treatments and if the dr is willing I am willing to go as along as I can go before I start maintance of 5-fu for life.

  • Tue Jan 28, 2014
Hi, I'm Johnny

hey: I’m tolerating this very well. I have very easily managed constipation for the 1st 4 days post chemo and then some diarrhea again easily managed with Imodium. just finished round 6 of 12 bi-weekly & my only issue is low neutrophils. Best of all,my lung tumours are shrinking very well & I can climb stairs & even jog a bit. I notice minor cuts take forever to heal & shaving is a fond memory like my hair…

I’m 62 had adenocarcinoma in 2011 IIIc and got better for 2.5 yrsuntil my CEA went from 1.4 to 33 & my onc jumped on the folfuri with avastin – I doget a shot of atropine before the biweekly chemo along with 2 anti anti nausea meds – but I’ve got no issues.

Sorry to hear that some of you aren’t tolerating this – I don’t think it’s typical.

Diet, exercise & a positive outlook are working for me.

  • Thu Aug 22, 2013
Hi, I'm Johnny

hey: I’m tolerating this very well. I have very easily managed constipation for the 1st 4 days post chemo and then some diarrhea again easily managed with Imodium. just finished round 6 of 12 bi-weekly & my only issue is low neutrophils. Best of all,my lung tumours are shrinking very well & I can climb stairs & even jog a bit. I notice minor cuts take forever to heal & shaving is a fond memory like my hair…

I’m 62 had adenocarcinoma in 2011 IIIc and got better for 2.5 yrsuntil my CEA went from 1.4 to 33 & my onc jumped on the folfuri with avastin – I doget a shot of atropine before the biweekly chemo along with 2 anti anti nausea meds – but I’ve got no issues.

Sorry to hear that some of you aren’t tolerating this – I don’t think it’s typical.

Diet, exercise & a positive outlook are working for me.

  • Thu Aug 22, 2013
I'm Martha I am currently undergoing treatment for Stage 4 Colon Cancer. So far so good.

I have had 9 treatments of FloFox with Avasitn and the worst side affect is the neurpathay. I am scheduled for 12 treatments and if the dr is willing I am willing to go as along as I can go before I start maintance of 5-fu for life.

  • Tue Jan 28, 2014
Hi, I'm Dan G J.

The main problem for me right now is constipation. It has caused me a lot of discomfort in the anal area from straining to have bm. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to relieve this problem? I’m concerned because it’s like having diaper rash.

  • Sun Dec 29, 2019

This discussion needs your voice!

What were the specific side effects that you experienced while taking this medication? How did you manage them?

What coping tips would you give to new patients on this regimen?

There are currently no answers to this question. Be the first to answer!

This discussion needs your voice!

What do you wish you had known before taking this medication? What information would you like to pass on to patients who are beginning this medication?

Treatment Overview

This chemotherapy regimen is commonly used to treat:

Other chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of Colon Cancer:

See Expert Resources

The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National Cancer Institute and other experts.