What Is Eylea Injection? ((aflibercept)) | HealthInfi

What Is Eylea?

Eylea (aflibercept) is made from a human antibody fragment. It works by keeping new blood vessels from forming under the retina (a sensory membrane that lines the inside of the eye). In people with a certain type of eye disease, new blood vessels grow under the retina where they leak blood and fluid. This is known as the “wet form” of macular degeneration.

Eylea is a vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug – this is a drug class that reduces the formation of abnormal blood vessels that damage the retina.

Other anti-VEGF drugs include Lucentis (ranibizumab), which is approved in the UK for patients with DME and impaired vision.

Eylea is marketed in the UK by Bayer and administered to patients by injection through the white of the eye into the fluid within the eye. It is intended for use alongside appropriate measures to control blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure

Eylea, the trade name of aflibercept, is recommended as a potential treatment for some people with diabetic macular edema (DME).

DME is a form of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, leading to vision problems.

Eylea is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. It is also used to treat swelling in the retina caused by a blockage in the blood vessels.

Eylea is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy, an eye disorder in diabetics that can lead to a buildup of fluid in the retina and cause blindness.

How does this work? 

Patients are given a single 2mg injection of Eylea every month for five consecutive months, followed by one injection every two months.

After the first 12 months, this treatment interval could be extended depending on its success. This decision would be based on the effect the drug has on a patient’s vision.

Treatment with Eylea should be discontinued if the patient is not receiving any benefit.

Aflibercept belongs to the class of medications called antineovascularization agents. These medications work by preventing the growth of new blood vessels. It is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a deterioration of the macula, a part of the retina which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. “Wet” AMD occurs when new blood vessels grow around and behind the macula. Aflibercept works by preventing the growth of these new blood vessels in the eye.Read More