aflibercept ophthalmic
What is the most important information I should know about aflibercept ophthalmic?
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.
What is aflibercept ophthalmic?
Aflibercept ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. Aflibercept ophthalmic is also used to treat macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, a 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 can also be used to treat diabetic macular edema, a build-up of fluid in the retina that is caused by leaking blood vessels.
Aflibercept ophthalmic is also used to treat retinopathy of prematurity, an eye condition of premature babies affecting the retina.
Aflibercept ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using aflibercept ophthalmic?
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 this medicine. Keep using birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last injection.
Do not breastfeed.
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 given at different intervals, depending on the condition being treated with this medicine. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your aflibercept injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using 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.
What are the possible side effects of aflibercept ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- eye pain or redness, swelling around your eyes;
- sudden vision problems;
- seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision, seeing halos around lights;
- your eyes may be more sensitive to light;
- chest pain;
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; or
- sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with speech or balance.
Common side effects may include:
- red or watery eyes;
- blurred vision;
- swelling of the eyelids; or
- mild eye pain or discomfort after the injection.
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.
What other drugs will affect aflibercept ophthalmic?
Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about aflibercept ophthalmic.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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