Work, Travel and Daily Life — While on Bevacizumab

There is no absolute prohibition on alcohol during bevacizumab, but your oncologist is the right person to ask given your specific situation and other medicines. Alcohol can raise blood pressure, and blood pressure management is already an active part of your treatment. If you are taking steroid medicines alongside bevacizumab, alcohol interacts with those as well. Keep your team informed rather than assuming it is fine.

Staying active during cancer treatment is generally encouraged. Gentle walking, yoga, and light activity help with fatigue and general wellbeing. Bevacizumab does not typically restrict activity in the way that some chemotherapy medicines do, but work within how you feel rather than against it. If you are used to intense exercise, ask your oncologist whether your current blood pressure and treatment allow you to continue at that level.

Bevacizumab slows wound healing and can affect how blood vessels respond to injury. Keep any wound clean and covered, and watch it carefully over the following days. A cut that does not stop bleeding within a normal time, or a wound that is not healing, needs to be seen by your team. Do not assume a slow-healing wound is unremarkable during this treatment — report it early rather than waiting to see if it improves on its own.

Dental work, minor procedures, and any planned surgery need to be discussed with your oncologist in advance. Bevacizumab is usually paused before surgery because it affects wound healing and blood vessel repair. Your oncologist will advise how far ahead the treatment needs to stop, and when it is safe to restart. Do not schedule procedures without telling your treating team first — even something that seems minor.

Tell your oncologist and pharmacist about everything you are taking — including Ayurvedic preparations, herbal supplements and traditional medicines. Some interact with cancer treatment in ways that are not obvious, either reducing the drug's effectiveness or adding unwanted effects. This is not a judgement on the practice; it is about making sure the people managing your treatment have a complete picture. Bring the bottles or packaging to your appointment so your team can assess them accurately.

Your team will advise whether home monitoring is right for you. If they recommend it, a standard digital arm cuff is accurate and straightforward to use. Take readings at roughly the same time each day, rest quietly for a few minutes before measuring, and write down what you find. Bring that record to every appointment. If you get a reading that concerns you, or if you have a headache alongside a high reading, contact your team rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.