Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic)
Aflibercept is used in adults to treat wet age-related macular degeneration, swelling in the retina caused by blockage of the retinal veins, and eye problems caused by diabetes, including diabetic macular edema.
Eylea is also used to treat eye problems caused by being born premature in preterm babies.
Aflibercept may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic) used for?
- Retinopathy
- Visual Defect/Disturbance
- Retinal Disorder
- Macular Degeneration
- Macular Edema
- Diabetic Macular Edema
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic)?
You should not use aflibercept if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- swelling, redness, pain inside or around your eyes; or
- any type of infection (bacterial, fungal, viral) in or around your eyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- inflammation of the eye or retina, retinal detachment;
- a heart attack or stroke; or
- glaucoma or another condition that increases pressure inside your eyes.
It is not known if aflibercept will harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while using aflibercept and for at least 3 to 4 months after your last dose, depending on the brand used. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- eye pain or redness, swelling around your eyes;
- changes in your vision, increased sensitivity to light;
- seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision, seeing halos around lights; or
- chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), or sudden severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech or balance.
Common side effects may include:
- bleeding in the back of the eye (retina);
- blurred vision, eye pain, discomfort, or redness, seeing halos around lights;
- seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision;
- increased pressure inside the eye; or
- blood spots on the white of your eye.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if aflibercept will harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while using aflibercept and for at least 3 to 4 months after your last dose, depending on the brand used. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic)?
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic)?
Use Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Aflibercept 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 some time after your injection, your eyes will be checked periodically to make sure the injection has not caused any side effects.
Your doctor will also need to check your progress on a regular basis and determine if any additional treatment is needed.
Aflibercept is given at different intervals, depending on the condition being treated with this medicine. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your aflibercept injection.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Eylea (Aflibercept Ophthalmic)?
In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.