Aflibercept 8 mg is an intravitreal injection used to treat certain serious eye conditions like Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular oedema, offering extended dosing intervals.
| Drug class | Anti-VEGF (High-dose) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 8 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Eylea HD (limited availability in India) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Aflibercept 8 mg is used for
Aflibercept 8 mg is a specialized medicine used to treat serious conditions affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. These conditions can significantly impact your vision if not managed properly. Specifically, it is used for:
- Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD): This condition affects the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In Wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing vision distortion and loss.
- Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO): A complication of diabetes, DMO occurs when fluid leaks from damaged blood vessels in the retina, causing swelling in the macula. This swelling can lead to blurred or distorted vision.
The goal of this treatment is to help preserve your vision by reducing the leakage and growth of abnormal blood vessels in your eye.
How it works
Aflibercept 8 mg belongs to a category of medicines called Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) agents. VEGF is a natural protein in the body that can contribute to the growth of abnormal blood vessels and leakage in the eye, which are key problems in conditions like Wet AMD and diabetic macular oedema.
This medicine works by acting as a ‘VEGF trap’. It binds to VEGF, preventing it from stimulating the growth of these harmful blood vessels and reducing fluid leakage. The 8 mg strength is a higher dose designed to allow for longer intervals between injections, meaning fewer visits to the hospital for treatment compared to some other similar medicines. By blocking VEGF, Aflibercept 8 mg helps to stabilize the condition, reduce swelling, and protect your vision.
How it’s used
Aflibercept 8 mg is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eye. This procedure is always performed by a retina specialist in a sterile environment within the hospital.
The treatment typically begins with a series of ‘loading doses’. After these initial doses, the injections are usually given every 12 to 16 weeks. The exact schedule will be determined by your retina specialist based on your specific condition and how you respond to the treatment. The aim of this extended dosing schedule is to maintain the therapeutic effect with fewer injections over the year, offering convenience while managing your eye condition effectively.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Eylea HD (limited availability in India)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis). Not currently approved or routinely available in India — included for reference; ask your ophthalmologist about approved alternatives.
Precautions & side effects
While Aflibercept 8 mg offers the benefit of fewer injections per year, there are important considerations and precautions you should be aware of:
- Injection Procedure: This medicine is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. It is a medical procedure that requires careful attention to hygiene and technique to minimize risks.
- Cost: As a newer and higher-dose formulation, Aflibercept 8 mg may have a higher cost compared to some other treatments for similar conditions.
- Availability in India: Please note that Aflibercept 8 mg (Eylea HD) has limited availability in India and is not currently approved or routinely available. It is included here for reference. Your ophthalmologist will discuss approved and available alternatives that are suitable for your condition.
- Serious Infection Risk: After any intravitreal injection, there is a small but serious risk of infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis). It is crucial to be vigilant for any signs of infection.
IMMEDIATELY seek help from your ophthalmologist or go to an emergency room if you develop any of the following symptoms after an injection:
- Increasing pain in the eye
- Increased redness of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
- A sudden drop or change in your vision
These symptoms can be signs of a serious infection and require urgent medical attention to prevent severe vision loss.
Understanding Your Eye Condition and Treatment
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we believe that understanding your eye condition is the first step towards better management and preserving your vision. Conditions like Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) and Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) affect the macula, the central part of your retina. The macula is vital for seeing fine details, reading, and recognizing faces. When these conditions cause abnormal blood vessel growth or fluid leakage in the macula, your central vision can become blurry, distorted, or even develop blind spots. This can significantly impact your daily life.
Treatments like Aflibercept 8 mg are designed to target the underlying causes of these conditions, specifically by blocking a protein called VEGF that promotes harmful blood vessel growth and leakage. While these treatments cannot always restore lost vision, they are highly effective in preventing further vision loss and, in many cases, can improve vision. It’s important to remember that these are chronic conditions, meaning they often require ongoing monitoring and treatment to maintain the benefits. Regular follow-up appointments with your retina specialist are crucial to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
General Advice for Eye Care and Hygiene
Maintaining good eye hygiene is essential, especially when undergoing eye treatments. While Aflibercept 8 mg is an injection and not an eye drop, general eye care practices contribute to overall eye health. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or any eye medication. Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after an injection, as this can introduce germs or irritate the treated eye. If you use other eye drops or ointments, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to apply them correctly and maintain their sterility. Store all eye medications as directed, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Never share your eye medications with anyone else, as this can be harmful and spread infections.
After an intravitreal injection, your doctor will give you specific instructions for post-procedure care. It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort, redness, or a sensation of something in your eye for a short period. However, it’s vital to differentiate between normal post-injection sensations and signs of a serious problem. Always use any prescribed post-injection eye drops, such as antibiotic drops, exactly as directed by your doctor to prevent complications.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Your safety and vision are our top priority. While intravitreal injections are generally safe procedures, there is a small risk of serious complications, the most concerning of which is an infection inside the eye, known as endophthalmitis. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent severe and permanent vision loss. Therefore, it is absolutely critical that you understand and act upon the warning signs.
Please contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or seek emergency medical care IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following symptoms after your Aflibercept 8 mg injection:
- Increasing eye pain: Any pain that worsens significantly after the injection.
- Increased redness: If the redness in your eye becomes more pronounced or spreads.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia): If bright lights become unusually uncomfortable or painful.
- A sudden drop or significant change in your vision: This could include increased blurriness, new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision.
These symptoms, even if mild, can indicate a serious infection or other complication. Do not wait to see if they improve on their own. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential to protect your vision. Always keep the contact information for Pristine Eye Hospitals and your retina specialist readily available.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aflibercept 8 mg used for?
Aflibercept 8 mg is used to treat serious eye conditions such as Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) and diabetic macular oedema. These conditions involve abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the retina, which can lead to vision loss.
How does Aflibercept 8 mg work?
Aflibercept 8 mg works by acting as a 'VEGF trap'. It blocks a protein called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) that causes abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye. By blocking VEGF, it helps reduce swelling and protects your vision. The 8 mg strength is a higher dose designed to allow for longer intervals between injections.
What are the common Indian brands for Aflibercept 8 mg?
The brand for Aflibercept 8 mg is Eylea HD. However, it has limited availability in India and is not currently approved or routinely available. Your ophthalmologist can discuss approved alternatives.
How is Aflibercept 8 mg administered?
Aflibercept 8 mg is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the eye by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. After initial loading doses, injections are typically given every 12 to 16 weeks.
Do I need a prescription for Aflibercept 8 mg?
Yes, Aflibercept 8 mg is a prescription medicine and is for hospital use only. It is administered by a retina specialist.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of with Aflibercept 8 mg?
Key precautions include that it is given as an injection inside the eye by a specialist, it may have a higher cost, and its availability in India is limited. Most importantly, after any intravitreal injection, you must seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision, as these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis).
References
- Aflibercept – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- The Latest in Anti-VEGF Therapy: An Ophthalmology Resident's Guide
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.