Uses
What is Eylea used for?
Eylea (aflibercept) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Eye conditions caused by diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
- An eye condition that gets worse with age, called wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- An eye condition called macular edema that happens after a vein in the eye becomes blocked (retinal vein occlusion)
- An eye condition that occurs in premature infants, called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Eylea may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Eylea 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.
Eylea 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, Eylea helps to stop new, unstable blood vessels from forming in the eye.
How is Eylea supplied (dosage forms)?
Eylea is available as a 2 mg injection that is injected into the eye by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Eylea?
Eylea is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Eylea?
The most common side effects of Eylea 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 Eylea 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 Eylea?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Eylea are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Eylea may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Eylea 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. Eylea can cause an infection in your eye (endophthalmitis) or cause separation of layers of the retina, which is part of your eye (retinal detachment). Eylea 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. Eylea 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. Eylea 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 Eylea?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Eylea.
- Aflibercept
- Eylea
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Eylea.
Eye Infection. Eylea should not be used by anyone who has an infection in the eye or around the eye.
Eye Swelling. Eylea should not be used if you have swelling in your eye that may include pain or redness.
What should I know about Eylea 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 Eylea. 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 Eylea and continue using it until 3 months after your last dose of Eylea.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Eylea?
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 Eylea 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 Eylea 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 Eylea while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Eylea 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 Eylea while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Eylea?
For more information about Eylea, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.eylea.us or call them at 855-EYLEA4U.
Interactions
Does Eylea interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Eylea and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Eylea.
Does Eylea interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Eylea 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.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Eylea?
If you or someone else has used too much Eylea, 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 Eylea?
If you miss an appointment to get your Eylea dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.