Aflibercept
Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein that works as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor. It is administered by intravitreal injection for certain eye conditions and by intravenous infusion for certain cancers, helping to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.
Aflibercept is a VEGF inhibitor used to treat certain eye conditions and cancers by blocking the formation of abnormal blood vessels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XX44
- RxNorm
- 1232150
- Generic
- Aflibercept
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Eylea, Zaltrap, Pavblu, Ahzantive, Opuviz, Eydenzelt
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue aflibercept therapy
monitor infant for adverse reactions
geriatric
elderlyno dose adjustment required
no major differences in safety and efficacy observed - monitor for increased sensitivity
standard monitoring with attention to age-related organ function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrennot recommended
not indicated for pediatric patients - safety and efficacy not established in children
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescentsnot recommended
not indicated for pediatric patients - safety and efficacy not established
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed based on population PK analysis
standard renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited clinical data available - use with caution
close monitoring of renal function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed based on population PK analysis
standard hepatic function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited clinical data available - use with caution
close monitoring of hepatic function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Anti-angiogenic agent, recombinant fusion protein
FDA approval year
Eylea received FDA approval in November 2011
Common uses
Intravitreal injection for ocular conditions; intravenous infusion for oncology
Mechanism of action
Acts as a decoy receptor for VEGF isoforms
In ophthalmology, it treats neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, and myopic choroidal neovascularization. In oncology, it is used for metastatic colorectal cancer and other malignancies.
Aflibercept acts as a soluble decoy receptor that binds VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF), preventing these factors from activating their native receptors and thereby inhibiting angiogenesis and vascular permeability.
Common adverse effects include hypertension, bleeding, proteinuria, and injection-related eye reactions. It may increase risk of gastrointestinal perforation and wound healing complications. Patients should be monitored for signs of arterial thromboembolic events. In ophthalmic use, temporary visual disturbances may occur after injection.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy