Aflibercept ophthalmic
Generic name: aflibercept ophthalmic [ a-FLIB-er-sept-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Eylea, Eylea Pre-filled Syringe
Dosage form: intravitreal solution (40 mg/mL)
Drug class:Anti-angiogenic ophthalmic agents
What is aflibercept ophthalmic?
Aflibercept is made from a human antibody fragment. It works by keeping new blood vessels from forming under the retina (a sensory membrane that lines the inside of the eye). In people with a certain type of eye disease, new blood vessels grow under the retina where they leak blood and fluid. This is known as the "wet form" of macular degeneration.
Aflibercept ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. Aflibercept is also used to treat swelling in the retina caused by a blockage in the blood vessels.
Aflibercept ophthalmic is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy, an eye disorder in diabetics that can lead to a buildup of fluid in the retina and cause blindness.
Aflibercept ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use aflibercept if you have swelling inside your eyes, or any type of infection in or around your eyes.
Call your doctor at once if you have eye pain or redness, swelling or puffiness around your eyes, or sudden vision problems at any time during treatment.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use aflibercept if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
swelling inside your eyes; or
any type of infection (bacterial, fungal, viral) in or around your eyes.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a blood clot or stroke; or
glaucoma or other condition that increase pressure inside your eyes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy before your first dose of aflibercept ophthalmic. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last injection.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is aflibercept ophthalmic given?
Aflibercept ophthalmic is given as an injection into your eye. Your doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or other clinic setting.
For a short time after your injection, your eyes will be checked periodically to make sure the injection has not caused any side effects.
Aflibercept is usually given once every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the condition being treated with this medicine. Follow your doctor's dosin...
