Aflibercept (Into the eye)
a-FLIB-er-sept
Treats age-related macular degeneration, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy.
Drug classes
Ophthalmologic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Aflibercept injection is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a disorder of the retina in the eye that causes blurred vision or blindness. Aflibercept works by changing the amount of blood that gets to the retina.
Aflibercept injection is also used to treat macular edema after retinal vein occlusion. It is also used to treat diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy in patients with DME. Macular edema is swelling in the back of the eye and may cause vision loss. Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of a blood vessel in the eye. Swelling can occur when the blood vessel is blocked.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A doctor will give you this injection.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to aflibercept, or if you have an eye infection.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have other eye problems or a history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
Women should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Detached retina, infection, or increased pressure inside your eye Increased risk for blood clotsThis medicine may cause temporary blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bleeding in your eye
Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Eye pain or redness, trouble seeing, sensitivity to light, eyelid swelling
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Floaters (seeing dark spots or lines in your field of vision)
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Eylea
There may be other brand names for this medicine.