Biosimilar Aflibercept is an intravitreal injection used to treat certain serious eye conditions like Wet AMD, Diabetic Macular Edema, and Retinal Vein Occlusion.
| Drug class | Anti-VEGF Biosimilar |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 2 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Emerging Indian biosimilars |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Biosimilar Aflibercept is used for
Biosimilar Aflibercept is a type of medicine known as an Anti-VEGF Biosimilar. It is given as an injection directly into the eye to help manage and treat several serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss. These conditions are often caused by abnormal blood vessel growth or leakage at the back of the eye.
- Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD): This is a common cause of vision loss in older adults. In Wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision) and leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): This condition affects people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid into the macula, leading to swelling and blurred vision.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): This occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, leading to blood and fluid leakage, which can cause swelling of the macula and vision problems.
By treating these conditions, Biosimilar Aflibercept aims to preserve vision and prevent further deterioration.
How it works
Biosimilar Aflibercept works as a ‘VEGF trap’. VEGF stands for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, which is a natural substance in the body that can promote the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels in the eye. In conditions like Wet AMD, DME, and RVO, too much VEGF is produced, leading to the problems mentioned above.
When Biosimilar Aflibercept is injected into the eye, it binds to and blocks the VEGF. By trapping VEGF, it helps to stop the growth of these abnormal blood vessels, reduce leakage, and decrease swelling in the retina. This action helps to improve or stabilize vision and prevent further damage to the macula.
As a biosimilar, it is highly similar to an existing approved biological medicine. This means it works in the same way, has the same strength, and is expected to have the same benefits and safety profile, often at a reduced cost.
How it’s used
Biosimilar Aflibercept is administered as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is injected directly into the vitreous (the jelly-like substance that fills the eye). This procedure is always performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting.
The typical dosing involves an initial ‘loading phase’ of injections, followed by maintenance injections. After the initial phase, injections are usually given every 8 weeks, or the specialist may decide on an ‘extended’ treatment plan based on your specific condition and response to treatment. Your retina specialist will determine the exact schedule and number of injections you need.
It is crucial to attend all your scheduled appointments for these injections to ensure the best possible outcome for your vision. Missing doses can affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Emerging Indian biosimilars
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 Biosimilar Aflibercept is an important medicine for treating serious eye conditions, there are important precautions to be aware of:
- Administration: This medicine is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. It is not a self-administered medicine.
- Cost Reduction: Emerging Indian biosimilars like this one are expected to further reduce the cost of treatment, making it more accessible.
- Prescription: This is a prescription medicine and is for hospital use only.
- High Warning Level: Due to the nature of the injection and potential risks, it carries a high warning level.
- Immediate Medical Attention: After any intravitreal injection, it is extremely important to 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
- A sudden drop or change in your vision
These symptoms can be signs of a serious infection inside the eye, called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent medical attention 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
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we understand that being diagnosed with an eye condition requiring specialized treatment can be concerning. Conditions like Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), and Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) can significantly impact your vision and daily life. These conditions often involve problems with the blood vessels at the back of your eye, specifically in an area called the macula. The macula is a small but vital part of your retina responsible for your central vision, allowing you to see fine details, read, and recognize faces.
In Wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid or blood, causing damage. For those with diabetes, DME occurs when high blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels, leading to fluid leakage and swelling in the macula. RVO happens when a retinal vein is blocked, causing blood and fluid to leak. All these can lead to blurred vision, distorted vision, or even blind spots.
Treatments like Biosimilar Aflibercept are designed to target the underlying cause of these problems by blocking a substance that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. This helps to stabilize your vision, reduce swelling, and prevent further damage to your macula. Your retina specialist will explain your specific condition in detail and how this treatment fits into your overall care plan.
General Eye Care and Hygiene After Treatment
While Biosimilar Aflibercept is administered by a specialist, maintaining good eye hygiene and general care is crucial, especially after an eye injection. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding post-injection care. Generally, it’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes, especially in the days following the injection, to prevent irritation or potential infection. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any prescribed eye drops.
If you are prescribed any additional eye drops (e.g., antibiotic drops) to use at home, ensure you use them exactly as directed. To instil eye drops correctly, first wash your hands. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above your eye and squeeze out one drop. Close your eye gently for a few moments, and avoid blinking excessively. If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly. Store all eye medicines as instructed, usually in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Your safety and vision are our top priority. After receiving an intravitreal injection of Biosimilar Aflibercept, it is extremely important to be aware of certain warning signs that require immediate medical attention. While these complications are rare, prompt action can make a significant difference in the outcome. Please contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or seek emergency medical care IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following:
- Increasing eye pain: Any new or worsening pain in the treated eye.
- Increased redness: Significant or spreading redness of the eye that doesn’t subside.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia): An unusual or severe discomfort from light.
- Drop in vision: Any sudden or noticeable decrease in your vision in the treated eye.
These symptoms can be signs of a serious infection inside the eye, known as endophthalmitis, which is a medical emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preserve your vision. Do not delay in seeking help if you notice any of these signs. Your retina specialist and the team at Pristine Eye Hospitals are here to support you through your treatment journey.
Frequently asked questions
What is Biosimilar Aflibercept used for?
Biosimilar Aflibercept is used to treat serious eye conditions such as Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), and Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO). These conditions can cause vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth or leakage in the eye.
How does Biosimilar Aflibercept work?
It works as a 'VEGF trap'. VEGF is a substance that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye. Biosimilar Aflibercept binds to and blocks VEGF, which helps to stop the growth of these abnormal vessels, reduce leakage, and decrease swelling in the retina, thereby helping to preserve vision.
What are the common Indian brands for Biosimilar Aflibercept?
There are emerging Indian biosimilar brands for Aflibercept. Your retina specialist will inform you about the specific brand being used for your treatment at Pristine Eye Hospitals.
How is Biosimilar Aflibercept administered?
Biosimilar Aflibercept is given as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is injected directly into the eye. This procedure is performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. The dosing typically involves an initial loading phase, followed by maintenance injections usually every 8 weeks or an extended schedule as determined by your specialist.
Do I need a prescription for Biosimilar Aflibercept?
Yes, Biosimilar Aflibercept is a prescription medicine and is for hospital use only. It will be administered by a qualified retina specialist.
What are the key precautions to take after receiving Biosimilar Aflibercept?
After the injection, it is crucial to seek help IMMEDIATELY if you experience increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision. These can be signs of a serious eye infection (endophthalmitis) and require urgent medical attention.
References
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
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.