Eylea is used to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a retinal disorder that causes blurred vision or blindness. Afibercept works by changing the amount of blood that the retina receives.
The afibercept injection is also used to treat macular edema after retinal vein occlusion. It is also used to treat diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy in patients with DME. DME is the swelling of the back of the eye and may cause vision loss. Retinal vein occlusion is a bood vessel blockage in the eye. Swelling can occur when the blood vessel is blocked.
This medication is only to be given by or under direct supervision of your doctor.
This product is available in the following forms:
Before using Eylea, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
- Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
- Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
- Geriatric: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
- Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medications.
- Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems:
- Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical
- problems, especially:
- History of blood clots
- Detached retina
- Endophthalmitis (inflammation of the eye)
- Glaucoma (increased pressure of the eye) - Use with caution. May make these
- Eye infection - Should not be used in patients with this condition
Proper usage of Eylea is to be carried out by your doctor.
An eye doctor (optometrist) will give you this medication as a shot into the eye.
If you take Eylea, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions.
Your optometrist (eye doctor) will want to check your progess at regular visits, especially after the first few days after receiving this medication.
If you are a woman of child-bearing age, use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant while on this medication. If you think you have become pregnant while on this medication, inform your doctor immediately.
Serious eye problems may occur while using this medication. Inform your doctor immediately if your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, if you see flashes or sparks of light, have a change in vision or feel increased pressure in the eye several days after injection
This medication may increase your risk of blood clots. Inform your doctor immediately if you have pain in your cheset, groin or legs, especially the calves, difficulty breathing, severe and sudden headache, slurred speech, sudden loss of coordination, severe weakness or numbness in your arm or leg, or vision changes.
This medication may cause temporary blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machines or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.
Eylea may produce unwanted side effects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
More common:
- Blindness
- Bloody eye
- Blurred vision
- Eye or eyelid redness
- Eye pain
- Seeing flashes, sparks of light or a veil or curtain
- Seeing floating spots
- Vision changes
Less common:
- Bleeding or pain at the injection site
- Swelling of the eyelid
Rare:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Fever
- Headache
- Hives, itching, rash or skin redness
- Hoarseness
- Joint pain, stiffness or swelling
- Swelling of the face, lips, hands or feet
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
Less common:
Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects.
Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
