Aflibercept Injection

pronounced as(a flib' er sept)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Aflibercept injection is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD; an ongoing disease of the eye that causes loss of the ability to see straight ahead and may make it more difficult to read, drive, or perform other daily activities). Aflibercept injection is in a class of medications called vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) antagonists. It works by stopping abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye(s) that may cause vision loss in people with wet AMD.

How should this medicine be used?

Aflibercept injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into the eye by a doctor. It is usually given in a doctor's office once a month for 3 months and then once every 2 months.

Before you receive an aflibercept injection, your doctor will clean your eye to prevent infection and numb your eye to reduce discomfort during the injection. After your injection, your doctor will need to examine your eyes before you leave the office.

Aflibercept injection controls wet AMD but does not cure it. Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well aflibercept injection works for you. Talk to your doctor about how long you should continue treatment with aflibercept injection.

Other uses for this medicine

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This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

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Before receiving aflibercept injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aflibercept, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in aflibercept injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
  • tell your doctor if you have an infection or swelling in or around the eye. Your doctor will probably tell you that you should not receive aflibercept injection.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving aflibercept injection, call your doctor.
  • you should know that aflibercept injection may cause vision problems. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

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Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

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If you miss an appointment to receive aflibercept injection, call your doctor as soon as possible.

What side effects can this medication cause?

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Aflibercept injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • feeling that something is in your eye

  • teary eyes

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • eye redness or pain

  • blurred vision

  • eye sensitivity to light

  • change in vision

  • bleeding in or around the eye

  • seeing ''floaters'' or small specks

  • seeing flashes of lights

  • chest pain

  • shortness of breath

  • sweating

  • slow or difficult speech

  • dizziness or faintness

  • weakness or numbness of an arm or leg

Aflibercept injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose

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In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

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Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about aflibercept injection.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

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  • Eylea®

Last Revised - 02/15/2012

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.