What it is used for
- Treating wet age-related macular degeneration
- Treating macular oedema caused by diabetes or retinal-vein occlusion
- Treating myopic choroidal neovascularisation
- Treating selected stages of retinopathy of prematurity
How it is used
- A qualified eye doctor injects it into the vitreous using sterile technique
- The eye is numbed and disinfected before injection and its pressure is monitored afterwards
- Attend examinations and injections scheduled according to the eye's response
- Do not rub the eye and follow aftercare and eye-drop instructions
Possible side effects
- Eye pain, redness or a small surface bleed
- Floaters, blurred vision or raised eye pressure
- Vitreous detachment or lens opacity
- Rarely, infection inside the eye or retinal tear and detachment
Who should not use it
- Allergy to aflibercept or any ingredient
- Infection in or around the eye
- Active severe inflammation inside the eye
Before and while using it
- Seek urgent assessment for increasing pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or worsening vision
- Flashes, increased floaters or a curtain-like shadow can indicate a retinal tear
- Tell the doctor about glaucoma, eye surgery, or a recent heart attack or stroke
- There is a theoretical arterial-clot risk with vascular-growth-factor inhibitors
- A vial or syringe must not be used for more than one eye
Medicine interactions
- Tell the eye doctor about other anti-vascular-growth-factor injections and blood thinners
- Do not combine treatments inside the eye except within a specialist plan
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It may harm an unborn baby; tell your doctor if pregnant and use effective contraception as directed
- Discuss breastfeeding with the doctor before treatment
How to store it
- The eye clinic stores it under the pack conditions; it is not stored at home
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.