Aflibercept

Aflibercept is an injectable eye medication used to treat various retinal diseases. It works by inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye, commonly seen in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Aflibercept helps preserve vision and reduce swelling in the retina. It is administered as an intravitreal injection by an eye care professional under sterile conditions.

Uses of Aflibercept

• Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic macular edema (DME)
• Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Myopic choroidal neovascularization

How Aflibercept Works

Aflibercept is a VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibitor. It binds to VEGF-A and related proteins that cause abnormal blood vessel formation in the eye. By blocking these proteins, Aflibercept reduces fluid leakage, swelling, and vision loss.

Benefits of Aflibercept

• Prevents vision loss in wet AMD and DME
• Reduces swelling and fluid accumulation in the retina
• Improves or stabilizes visual acuity
• Minimally invasive intravitreal injection
• Effective in reducing eye complications in diabetic patients

How to Take Aflibercept

Aflibercept is given as an intravitreal injection by an eye specialist. The usual dose is 2 mg injected into the eye once every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the condition and response. Your doctor will determine the dosing schedule and monitor your progress regularly with eye exams.

Type of Dosage Available

• Intravitreal Injection (solution)

Side Effects of Aflibercept

• Eye pain or discomfort
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Blurred vision
• Eye redness or bleeding
• Floaters or visual disturbances
• In rare cases, retinal detachment or endophthalmitis

Safety Advice

• Should only be administered by an ophthalmologist
• Inform your doctor of any eye infections or inflammation
• Avoid rubbing or touching the eye after injection
• Report sudden vision changes or severe eye pain immediately
• Not recommended during active ocular infections

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Aflibercept used for?
A: Aflibercept is used to treat eye diseases like wet AMD, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion by preventing abnormal blood vessel growth.

Q: How is Aflibercept administered?
A: It is given as an injection into the eye by a trained ophthalmologist under sterile conditions.

Q: Is Aflibercept safe?
A: Yes, when administered correctly by an eye specialist. Some mild eye discomfort or redness may occur temporarily.

Q: How often do I need Aflibercept injections?
A: Usually every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your eye condition and response to treatment.

Q: Can Aflibercept restore vision?
A: It may improve or stabilize vision, especially when started early in conditions like wet AMD or DME.