Aflibercept is a medicine given as an injection inside the eye to treat various serious eye conditions like Wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion.
| Drug class | Anti-VEGF Biologic |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 2 mg / 0.05 mL (8 mg high-dose available) |
| Common Indian brands | Eylea, biosimilars entering the Indian market |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Aflibercept is used for
Aflibercept is a powerful medicine used to treat several serious conditions affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. These conditions can significantly impact your vision if left untreated. Your retina specialist may recommend Aflibercept for:
- Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD): This is a common cause of severe vision loss in older adults, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision) and leak fluid or blood, damaging vision.
- Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO): A complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, causing fluid to leak into the macula and make it swell, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
- Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): This is a broader term for damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by diabetes. Aflibercept can be used in certain stages of diabetic retinopathy to prevent further vision loss.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): This occurs when a vein in the retina gets blocked, leading to blood and fluid leaking into the retina, causing swelling (macular oedema) and vision loss.
By treating these conditions, Aflibercept aims to preserve your vision and, in some cases, improve it, helping you maintain your quality of life.
How it works
Aflibercept belongs to a category of medicines called ‘Anti-VEGF Biologics’. To understand how it works, it’s helpful to know about a substance called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, or VEGF. In many eye conditions like Wet AMD and diabetic eye diseases, there is an excess of VEGF in the eye. This excess VEGF acts like a signal, encouraging the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels and causing fluid to build up, leading to swelling and damage to the retina.
Aflibercept works as a ‘VEGF trap’. Imagine it like a very strong magnet that specifically targets and binds to VEGF and a related growth factor in your eye. By binding to these growth factors, Aflibercept prevents them from sending their damaging signals. This helps to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels, reduce leakage, and decrease swelling in the retina. Because Aflibercept binds to these growth factors more tightly, it tends to last longer in the eye compared to some other similar medicines, which can mean fewer injections for many patients over time.
How it’s used
Aflibercept is administered as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is given directly into the vitreous humour, the jelly-like substance that fills the centre of your eye. This procedure is always performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting under sterile conditions to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment.
The typical dosing schedule for Aflibercept often starts with a ‘loading phase’. This usually involves three monthly injections. After this initial phase, your retina specialist will assess your response to the treatment. Depending on your condition and how your eye responds, subsequent injections are typically given every 8 weeks (approximately every two months) or as part of an extended treatment regimen tailored to your specific needs. Your doctor will carefully monitor your eye and adjust the treatment schedule to achieve the best possible outcome for your vision.
It is crucial to attend all your scheduled appointments for these injections and follow-up examinations. Regular monitoring by your retina specialist is essential to track your progress and ensure the treatment remains effective.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Eylea
- biosimilars entering the Indian market
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).
Precautions & side effects
While Aflibercept is an effective treatment for many serious eye conditions, there are important points to be aware of:
- Fewer Injections: For many patients, Aflibercept may require fewer injections compared to some other similar medicines (like ranibizumab). This can be a significant advantage, reducing the frequency of hospital visits and the number of procedures you need.
- Cost: Historically, medicines like Aflibercept have been associated with a higher cost. However, with the introduction of biosimilars (highly similar versions of the original medicine) into the Indian market, the cost is gradually becoming more accessible. Your doctor or hospital staff can provide more information regarding the cost and available options.
- Prescription Only: Aflibercept is a prescription medicine and is for hospital use only. It must be administered by a qualified retina specialist.
- Serious Infection Risk (Endophthalmitis): This is a critical warning. Any time an injection is given inside the eye, there is a very small but serious risk of infection inside the eye, known as endophthalmitis. This is why the procedure is performed under strict sterile conditions.
IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION REQUIRED: After receiving an intravitreal injection of Aflibercept, it is vital to be vigilant for any signs of infection. Seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop any of the following symptoms: increasing pain in the eye, increasing redness of the eye, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), or a sudden drop in your vision. These can be signs of a serious infection and require urgent medical evaluation and treatment to prevent severe vision loss.
Always discuss any concerns or questions you have with your retina specialist before and after your treatment.
Understanding Your Eye Condition and Treatment
The conditions treated by Aflibercept, such as Wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion, all affect the retina – the delicate tissue at the back of your eye that captures light and sends images to your brain. These conditions can lead to the growth of abnormal blood vessels or leakage of fluid, causing swelling and damage to your macula, which is responsible for your central, sharp vision. This can result in blurred vision, distorted vision, or even blind spots. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are crucial for preserving your eyesight.
Your retina specialist has chosen Aflibercept because it is a highly effective medicine designed to target the underlying causes of these conditions. It works by reducing the abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage, thereby helping to reduce swelling and protect your vision. Remember, managing these conditions is often a long-term journey, and your commitment to regular follow-up appointments and injections is key to successful outcomes. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or the hospital staff any questions you have about your specific condition or the treatment plan.
General Eye Care and Hygiene
Maintaining good eye hygiene is always important, especially when undergoing eye treatments. While Aflibercept 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 the area around them. Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after an injection, as this can introduce germs or irritate the eye. If you use other eye drops or ointments, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding their application and timing. Store any prescribed eye drops or ointments as directed, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never share your eye medicines with anyone else, as this can spread infections or be harmful.
If you experience any discomfort or notice any unusual symptoms in your eyes, such as persistent redness, discharge, or changes in vision, contact your eye doctor immediately. Even if it doesn’t seem related to your Aflibercept injection, it’s always best to get it checked out promptly. Protecting your eyes is a continuous effort, and being proactive about your eye health is the best way to maintain good vision.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
While intravitreal injections are generally safe procedures performed by experienced specialists, it is absolutely critical to be aware of the signs of a serious complication called endophthalmitis, which is an infection inside the eye. This is a rare but very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe and permanent vision loss. After receiving an Aflibercept injection, please be vigilant and look out for the following symptoms:
- Increasing eye pain: Pain that gets worse over time, rather than improving.
- Increasing redness: The white part of your eye becoming more red than usual.
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia): Finding normal light levels uncomfortable or painful.
- A sudden and significant drop in vision: Your vision becoming much blurrier or darker than before.
If you experience ANY of these symptoms, even if they seem mild, you must contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your retina specialist IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait for your next appointment. Prompt treatment is essential to manage an eye infection and protect your vision. Always keep the hospital’s emergency contact number handy after your injection.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aflibercept used for?
Aflibercept is used to treat serious eye conditions such as Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), diabetic macular oedema, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. These conditions can cause vision loss by damaging the retina at the back of your eye.
How does Aflibercept work?
Aflibercept works as a 'VEGF trap'. It binds very tightly to a substance called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and a related growth factor in your eye. By doing this, it stops these factors from causing abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage, which helps to reduce swelling and protect your vision.
What are the common Indian brands of Aflibercept?
The original brand for Aflibercept is Eylea. Additionally, biosimilars (highly similar versions of the original medicine) are entering the Indian market, offering more options.
How is Aflibercept administered?
Aflibercept is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the eye by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. Typically, it starts with three monthly injections, followed by injections every 8 weeks or as extended by your doctor.
Do I need a prescription for Aflibercept?
Yes, Aflibercept is a prescription-only medicine and is for hospital use. It must be administered by a qualified retina specialist.
What precautions should I take after an Aflibercept injection?
After an Aflibercept injection, it is crucial to 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) and require urgent medical attention.
References
- Aflibercept – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf – NIH
- Aflibercept Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- Efficacy and Safety of Aflibercept Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – PMC
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
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.