Aflibercept

Class: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Antagonists
Chemical Name: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type VEGFR1 (synthetic human immunoglobulin domain 2 fragment) fusion protein with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type VEGFR2 (synthetic human immunoglobulin domain 3 fragment) fusion protein with immunoglobulin G1 (synthetic Fc fragment), dimer
Molecular Formula: C₄₃₁₈H₆₇₈₈N₁₁₆₄O₁₃₀₄S₃₂
CAS Number: 862111-32-8
Brands: Eylea

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 1, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Recombinant humanized fusion protein; a vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) antagonist.

Uses for Aflibercept

Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration

Treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration.

Clinically equivalent to ranibizumab. May provide some advantages (e.g., decreased treatment burden) over other agents (e.g., bevacizumab†, ranibizumab) because of less frequent administration. (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration.)

Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion

Treatment of macular edema following retinal vein occlusion.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetic macular edema.

Aflibercept Dosage and Administration

Administration

Ophthalmic

Administer by intravitreal injection only into the affected eye(s); must be administered only by a qualified physician.

Prior to intravitreal administration, withdraw entire contents of aflibercept vial through a sterile 5-µm, 19-gauge filter needle (provided by manufacturer) into a 1-mL syringe (provided by manufacturer) using aseptic technique. Prior to intravitreal injection, replace filter needle with a sterile 30-gauge, ½-inch needle (provided by manufacturer). To obtain appropriate dose (2 mg), expel contents in syringe until plunger tip is aligned with the line that marks 0.05 mL on the syringe.

Inject under controlled aseptic conditions (including surgical hand disinfection and use of sterile gloves, sterile drape, and sterile eyelid speculum [or equivalent]) following adequate anesthesia and administration of a topical broad-spectrum anti-infective agent.

Monitor patients for elevation of IOP immediately following intravitreal injection; monitoring may include evaluation of optic nerve head perfusion or tonometry. A sterile paracentesis needle should be available, if required.

Use each vial only for treatment of a single eye; discard any unused portion. If contralateral eye requires treatment, use a new vial; change sterile field, syringe, gloves, drape, eyelid speculum, and filter and injection needles before administering to the other eye.

Dosage

Adults

Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration

Ophthalmic

Intravitreal injection: 2 mg into the affected eye(s) once every 4 weeks for 12 weeks, then 2 ...