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Uses

What is aflibercept used for?

Aflibercept (Eylea, Pavblu) is commonly used for the following conditions.

Learn more about Treating Diabetic Macular Edema or wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with aflibercept.

Aflibercept may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does aflibercept work (mechanism of action)?

Certain eye conditions, such as macular edema and macular degeneration, happen when the small blood vessels in the eyes become unstable. These unstable blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the eyes, which can cause changes in vision and even vision loss. 

Aflibercept works by blocking two substances in the eye, called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF), from working. By blocking these substances, aflibercept helps to stop new, unstable blood vessels from forming in the eye.

How is aflibercept supplied (dosage forms)?

Aflibercept is available as an injection that is injected into the eye by a healthcare provider.

How should I store aflibercept?

Aflibercept is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of aflibercept?

The most common side effects of aflibercept are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blood in the white part of your eye
  • Cataracts
  • Eye pain
  • Small specks floating in your vision
  • Increased pressure in the eye (see below)
  • Vitreous detachment, which happens when the layers of the eye separate

There may be other side effects of aflibercept that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of aflibercept?

While less common, the most serious side effects of aflibercept are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aflibercept may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using aflibercept and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye and Retina Problems. Aflibercept can cause an infection in your eye (endophthalmitis) or cause separation of layers of the retina, which is part of your eye (retinal detachment). Aflibercept can also cause inflammation of the blood vessels in your retina (retinal vasculitis), or a blood vessel in your eye to become blocked (retinal vascular occlusion). Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms.

  • Eye redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Eye pain
  • Any change in your vision including blurry vision, wavy/distorted vision, small specks floating in your vision, or flashing lights

Heart Attack and Stroke. Aflibercept can increase your risk for blood clots that can cause a heart attack, stroke, and death. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Increased Pressure in the Eye. Aflibercept may increase the pressure inside the eye. Your healthcare provider will monitor you and the pressure in your eye after each injection.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use aflibercept?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take aflibercept.

  • Aflibercept
  • Eylea
  • Pavblu
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in aflibercept.

Eye Infection. Aflibercept should not be used by anyone who has an infection in the eye or around the eye.

Eye Swelling. Aflibercept should not be used if you have swelling in your eye that may include pain or redness.

What should I know about aflibercept before using it?

This medicine is injected into the eye by your healthcare provider. Your vision may change or become blurry right after receiving the injection. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision has fully recovered from the injection.

Severe side effects can occur from aflibercept. Get care right away from your ophthalmologist if your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful or if you notice any change in your vision such as blurred vision, flashing lights, or distorted shapes.

If you are able to become pregnant, you should start using an effective form of birth control before your first dose of aflibercept and continue using it until 3 months after your last dose of aflibercept.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using aflibercept?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if aflibercept is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

  • Eye infection
  • Redness or swelling (inflammation) in the eye

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how aflibercept could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take aflibercept while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if aflibercept passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take aflibercept while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does aflibercept interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between aflibercept and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect aflibercept.

Does aflibercept interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between aflibercept and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much aflibercept?

If you or someone else has used too much aflibercept, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of aflibercept?

If you miss an appointment to get your aflibercept dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.