Uses

Aflibercept is used to treat certain serious eye conditions (such as macular edema/degeneration, diabetic retinopathy). Certain brands of this medication may also be used to treat retinopathy of prematurity. This medication can help preserve vision and prevent blindness. Aflibercept belongs to a class of drugs known as growth factor inhibitors. It works by slowing the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye and decreasing leakage from these blood vessels.

How To Use

This medication is prepared and given by injection into the affected eye(s) by a health care professional. The affected eye is numbed before each injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor's office for a while, and your eye(s) and vision will be monitored.

The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. For the best effect, carefully follow your doctor's directions. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

Side Effects

Injection site pain, feeling as if something is in the eye, or increased tears may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• floaters (blurry shapes that seem to float in front of your eyes)
• swollen eyelids

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest/jaw/left arm pain
• shortness of breath
• unusual sweating
• weakness on one side of the body
• trouble speaking
• confusion

This medication may rarely increase your risk for developing certain serious eye conditions (endophthalmitis or retinal detachment). Get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms in the affected eye(s):

• pain
• redness
• sensitivity to light
• blurred vision
• sudden change in vision
• loss of vision

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking aflibercept, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• current eye infection/swelling

This drug may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits, and ask your doctor which reliable forms of birth control to use during and for some time after the last dose. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• products applied to the eye (such as eye drops)

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor right away for a new dosing schedule.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.