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Drugs A–Z

Aflibercept

Aflibercept is a prescription medicine (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Eylea, Eylea Hd, Pavblu
Drug class
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor
Taken
Intravitreal
Label
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., revised July 7, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Biosimilars
6 approved · details

What it is used for

EYLEA is indicated for the treatment of: EYLEA is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with: Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) ( 1.1 ) Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) ( 1.2 ) Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) ( 1.3 ) Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) ( 1.4 ) Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) ( 1.5 )

1.1 Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

1.2 Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

1.3 Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

1.4 Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

1.5 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Forms and strengths

EYLEA is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution available as: Injection: 2 mg (0.05 mL of a 40 mg/mL solution) in a single-dose pre-filled glass syringe Injection: 2 mg (0.05 mL of a 40 mg/mL solution) in a single-dose glass vial Injection: 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose pre-filled syringe ( 3 ) Injection: 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial ( 3 )

Who should not take it (contraindications)

Ocular or periocular infection ( 4.1 ) Active intraocular inflammation ( 4.2 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4.3 )

4.1 Ocular or Periocular Infections EYLEA is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections.

4.2 Active Intraocular Inflammation EYLEA is contraindicated in patients with active intraocular inflammation.

4.3 Hypersensitivity EYLEA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to aflibercept or any of the excipients in EYLEA. Hypersensitivity reactions may manifest as rash, pruritus, urticaria, severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, or severe intraocular inflammation.

Warnings and precautions

Endophthalmitis, retinal detachments, and retinal vasculitis with or without occlusion may occur following intravitreal injections. Patients and/or caregivers should be instructed to report any signs and/or symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or retinal vasculitis without delay and should be managed appropriately. ( 5.1 ) Increases in intraocular pressure have been seen within 60 minutes of an intravitreal injection. ( 5.2 ) In infants with ROP, treatment with EYLEA will necessitate extended periods of ROP monitoring ( 5.3 ) There is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events following intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Endophthalmitis, Retinal Detachments, and Retinal Vasculitis with or without Occlusion Intravitreal injections, including those with EYLEA, have been associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] and, more rarely, retinal vasculitis with or without occlusion [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering EYLEA. Patients and/or caregivers should be instructed to report any signs and/or symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or retinal vasculitis without delay and should be managed appropriately [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Patient Counseling Information (17) ].

5.2 Increase in Intraocular Pressure Acute increases in intraocular pressure have been seen within 60 minutes of intravitreal injection, including with EYLEA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Sustained increases in intraocular pressure have also been reported after repeated intravitreal dosing with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. Intraocular pressure and the perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored and managed appropriately [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ].

5.3 Extended Monitoring and Additional Treatment in ROP Reactivation of abnormal angiogenesis and tortuosity may occur following treatment with EYLEA. Infants should be monitored closely after injection with EYLEA until retinal vascularization has completed or until the examiner is assured that reactivation of ROP will not occur. In infants with ROP, treatment with EYLEA will necessitate extended periods of ROP monitoring and additional EYLEA injections and/or laser treatments may be necessary.

5.4 Thromboembolic Events There is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) following intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors, including EYLEA. ATEs are defined as nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or vascular death (including deaths of unknown cause). The incidence of reported thromboembolic events in wet AMD studies during the first year was 1.8% (32 out of 1824) in the combined group of patients treated with EYLEA compared with 1.5% (9 out of 595) in patients treated with ranibizumab; through 96 weeks, the incidence was 3.3% (60 out of 1824) in the EYLEA group compared with 3.2% (19 out of 595) in the ranibizumab group. The incidence in the DME studies from baseline to week 52 was 3.3% (19 out of 578) in the combined group of patients treated with EYLEA compared with 2.8% (8 out of 287) in the control group; from baseline to week 100, the incidence was 6.4% (37 out of 578) in the combined group of patients treated with EYLEA compared with 4.2% (12 out of 287) in the control group. There were no reported thromboembolic events in the patients treated with EYLEA in the first six months of the RVO studies.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following potentially serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4.3) ] Endophthalmitis, Retinal Detachments, and Retinal Vasculitis with or without Occlusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Increase in intraocular pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Thromboembolic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) reported in patients receiving EYLEA were conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataract, vitreous detachment, vitreous floaters, and intraocular pressure increased. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Regeneron at 1-855-395-3248 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials of the same or another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. A total of 2980 adult patients treated with EYLEA constituted the safety population in eight phase 3 studies. Among those, 2379 patients were treated with the recommended dose of 2 mg. Serious adverse reactions related to the injection procedure have occurred in <0.1% of intravitreal injections with EYLEA including endophthalmitis and retinal detachment. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) reported in patients receiving EYLEA were conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataract, vitreous detachment, vitreous floaters, and intraocular pressure increased. Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) The data described below reflect exposure to EYLEA in 1824 patients with wet AMD, including 1223 patients treated with the 2-mg dose, in 2 double-masked, controlled clinical studies (VIEW1 and VIEW2) for 24 months (with active control in year 1) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Safety data observed in the EYLEA group in a 52-week, double-masked, Phase 2 study were consistent with these results. Table 1: Most Common Adverse Reactions (≥1%) in Wet AMD Studies Adverse Reactions Baseline to Week 52 Baseline to Week 96 EYLEA (N=1824) Active Control (ranibizumab) (N=595) EYLEA (N=1824) Control (ranibizumab) (N=595) Conjunctival hemorrhage 25% 28% 27% 30% Eye pain 9% 9% 10% 10% Cataract 7% 7% 13% 10% Vitreous detachment 6% 6% 8% 8% Vitreous floaters 6% 7% 8% 10% Intraocular pressure increased 5% 7% 7% 11% Ocular hyperemia 4% 8% 5% 10% Corneal epithelium defect 4% 5% 5% 6% Detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium 3% 3% 5% 5% Injection site pain 3% 3% 3% 4% Foreign body sensation in eyes 3% 4% 4% 4% Lacrimation increased 3% 1% 4% 2% Vision blurred 2% 2% 4% 3% Intraocular inflammation 2% 3% 3% 4% Retinal pigment epithelium tear 2% 1% 2% 2% Injection site hemorrhage 1% 2% 2% 2% Eyelid edema 1% 2% 2% 3% Corneal edema 1% 1% 1% 1% Retinal detachment <1% <1% 1% 1% Less common serious adverse reactions reported in <1% of the patients treated with EYLEA were hypersensitivity, retinal tear, and endophthalmitis. Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) The data described below reflect 6 months exposure to EYLEA with a monthly 2 mg dose in 218 patients following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in 2 clinical studies (COPERNICUS and GALILEO) and 91 patients following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in one clinical study (VIBRANT) [see Clinical Studies (14.2) , (14.3) ]. Table 2: Most Common Adverse Reactions (≥1%) in RVO Studies Adverse Reactions CRVO BRVO EYLEA (N=218) Control (N=142) EYLEA (N=91) Control (N=92) Eye pain 13% 5% 4% 5% Conjunctival hemorrhage 12% 11% 20% 4% Intraocular pressure increased 8% 6% 2% 0% Corneal epithelium defect 5% 4% 2% 0% Vitreous floaters 5% 1% 1% 0% Ocular hyperemia 5% 3% 2% 2% Foreign body sensation in eyes 3% 5% 3% 0% Vitreous detachment 3% 4% 2% 0% Lacrimation increased 3% 4% 3% 0% Injection site pain 3% 1% 1% 0% Vision blurred 1% <1% 1% 1% Intraocular inflammation 1% 1% 0% 0% Cataract <1% 1% 5% 0% Eyelid edema <1% 1% 1% 0% Less common adverse reactions reported in <1% of the patients treated with EYLEA in the CRVO studies were corneal edema, retinal tear, hypersensitivity, and endophthalmitis. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) The data described below reflect exposure to EYLEA in 578 patients with DME treated with the 2-mg dose in 2 double-masked, controlled clinical studies (VIVID and VISTA) from baseline to week 52 and from baseline to week 100 [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ]. Table 3: Most Common Adverse Reactions (≥1%) in DME Studies Adverse Reactions Baseline to Week 52 Baseline to Week 100 EYLEA (N=578) Control (N=287) EYLEA (N=578) Control (N=287) Conjunctival hemorrhage 28% 17% 31% 21% Eye pain 9% 6% 11% 9% Cataract 8% 9% 19% 17% Vitreous floaters 6% 3% 8% 6% Corneal epithelium defect 5% 3% 7% 5% Intraocular pressure increased 5% 3% 9% 5% Ocular hyperemia 5% 6% 5% 6% Vitreous detachment 3% 3% 8% 6% Foreign body sensation in eyes 3% 3% 3% 3% Lacrimation increased 3% 2% 4% 2% Vision blurred 2% 2% 3% 4% Intraocular inflammation 2% <1% 3% 1% Injection site pain 2% <1% 2% <1% Eyelid edema <1% 1% 2% 1% Less common adverse reactions reported in <1% of the patients treated with EYLEA were hypersensitivity, retinal detachment, retinal tear, corneal edema, and injection site hemorrhage. Safety data observed in 269 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) through week 52 in the PANORAMA trial were consistent with those seen in the phase 3 VIVID and VISTA trials (see Table 3 above). Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) The data described below reflect exposure to EYLEA in 168 pre-term infants with ROP randomized to EYLEA and treated with the 0.4 mg dose in 2 clinical studies (BUTTERFLEYE and FIREFLEYE/FIREFLEYE NEXT) from time of first administration up to 52 weeks of chronological age [see Clinical Studies (14.6) ] . Adverse reactions established for adult indications are considered applicable to pre-term infants with ROP, though not all were observed in the clinical studies. Table 4: Adverse Reactions in ROP Studies Five year follow-up studies are ongoing through 2026 Adverse Reactions Baseline to 52 weeks of chronological age Baseline to 52 weeks of chronological age BUTTERFLEYE FIREFLEYE/FIREFLEYE NEXT EYLEA (N=93) Laser (N=27) EYLEA (N=75) Laser (N=38) Retinal detachment 6% 7% 5% 5% Conjunctival hemorrhage Includes injection site hemorrhage 5% 0% 9% 0% Intraocular pressure increased 0% 0% 4% 0% Corneal epithelium defect 1% 0% 0% 0% Eyelid edema 0% 4% 3% 8% Corneal edema 0% 0% 1% 3% Lenticular Opacities 0% 0% 1% 0%

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of aflibercept. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Eye disorders : Retinal vasculitis and occlusive retinal vasculitis related to intravitreal injection with aflibercept (reported at a rate of 0.6 and 0.2 per 1 million injections, respectively, based on postmarketing experience from November 2011 until November 2023). Scleritis.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Adequate and well-controlled studies with EYLEA have not been conducted in pregnant women. Aflibercept produced adverse embryofetal effects in rabbits, including external, visceral, and skeletal malformations. A fetal No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) was not identified. At the lowest dose shown to produce adverse embryofetal effects, systemic exposures (based on AUC for free aflibercept) were approximately 6 times higher than AUC values observed in humans after a single intravitreal treatment at the recommended clinical dose [see Animal Data ]. Animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, and it is not known whether EYLEA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Based on the anti-VEGF mechanism of action for aflibercept [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ], treatment with EYLEA may pose a risk to human embryofetal development. EYLEA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In two embryofetal development studies, aflibercept produced adverse embryofetal effects when administered every three days during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits at intravenous doses ≥3 mg per kg, or every six days during organogenesis at subcutaneous doses ≥0.1 mg per kg. Adverse embryofetal effects included increased incidences of postimplantation loss and fetal malformations, including anasarca, umbilical hernia, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, cleft palate, ectrodactyly, intestinal atresia, spina bifida, encephalomeningocele, heart and major vessel defects, and skeletal malformations (fused vertebrae, sternebrae, and ribs; supernumerary vertebral arches and ribs; and incomplete ossification). The maternal No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) in these studies was 3 mg per kg. Aflibercept produced fetal malformations at all doses assessed in rabbits and the fetal NOAEL was not identified. At the lowest dose shown to produce adverse embryofetal effects in rabbits (0.1 mg per kg), systemic exposure (AUC) of free aflibercept was approximately 6 times higher than systemic exposure (AUC) observed in adult patients after a single intravitreal dose of 2 mg.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of aflibercept in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production/excretion. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because the potential for absorption and harm to infant growth and development exists, EYLEA is not recommended during breastfeeding. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for EYLEA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from EYLEA.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Females of reproductive potential are advised to use effective contraception prior to the initial dose, during treatment, and for at least 3 months after the last intravitreal injection of EYLEA. Infertility There are no data regarding the effects of EYLEA on human fertility. Aflibercept adversely affected female and male reproductive systems in cynomolgus monkeys when administered by intravenous injection at a dose approximately 1500 times higher than the systemic level observed in adult patients with an intravitreal dose of 2 mg. A No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) was not identified. These findings were reversible within 20 weeks after cessation of treatment [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ].

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of EYLEA have been demonstrated in two clinical studies of pre-term infants with ROP. These two studies randomized pre-term infants between initial treatment with EYLEA or laser. Efficacy of each treatment is supported by the demonstration of a clinical course which was better than would have been expected without treatment [see Dosage and Administration (2.9) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.6) ] .

8.5 Geriatric Use In the clinical studies, approximately 76% (2049/2701) of patients randomized to treatment with EYLEA were ≥65 years of age and approximately 46% (1250/2701) were ≥75 years of age. No significant differences in efficacy or safety were seen with increasing age in these studies.

How it works

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are members of the VEGF family of angiogenic factors that can act as mitogenic, chemotactic, and vascular permeability factors for endothelial cells. VEGF acts via two receptor tyrosine kinases, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, present on the surface of endothelial cells. PlGF binds only to VEGFR-1, which is also present on the surface of leucocytes. Activation of these receptors by VEGF-A can result in neovascularization and vascular permeability. Aflibercept acts as a soluble decoy receptor that binds VEGF-A and PlGF, and thereby can inhibit the binding and activation of these cognate VEGF receptors.

Are there biosimilars to Aflibercept?

Yes. The FDA has approved 6 biosimilars; 6 of those approvals are active (not discontinued). As with generics, approval does not guarantee a product is stocked or covered.

  • Yesafili Biocon Biologics Inc, approved 2024
  • Opuviz Samsung Bioepis Co Ltd, approved 2024
  • Ahzantive Formycon Ag, approved 2024
  • Eydenzelt Celltrion Inc, approved 2025
  • Pavblu Amgen Inc, approved 2026
  • Enzeevu Sandoz Inc, approved 2026

Biologics have biosimilars rather than generics: highly similar versions with no clinically meaningful differences. Only biosimilars the FDA designates as interchangeable can be swapped at the pharmacy without asking the prescriber, where state law allows; the FDA Purple Book lists which ones are.

Brand-name versions

  • Eylea Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, approved 2011
  • Eylea Hd Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, approved 2023

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Aflibercept in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

  • Class II Terminated

    EYLEA, (aflibercept) Injection, For Intravitreal injection, 2 mg (0.05mL of a 40mg/mL solution), Single-dose Pre-filled Glass Syringe, Rx only, Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Roa…

    Reason: Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Complaints of syringe breakage

    Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc

    Lots, distribution and details
    Product
    EYLEA, (aflibercept) Injection, For Intravitreal injection, 2 mg (0.05mL of a 40mg/mL solution), Single-dose Pre-filled Glass Syringe, Rx only, Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, NDC 61755-005-01, NDC (sample lot) 61755-005-54
    Lots / codes
    Lot # 8231500321, Exp. date Oct-24 8231500335, Exp. date Jan-25 8231500333, Exp. date Jan-25 8231500334, Exp. date Jan-25 8231500339, Exp. date Jan-25 8231500347, Exp. date Jan-25 8231500336, Exp. date Jan-25 8231500337, Exp. date Jan-25 8231500340, Exp. date Jan-25 8268700014 (sample lot) exp. date Jan-25
    Distribution
    USA nationwide.
    Quantity
    405,725 Prefilled syringes
    Recall started
    May 15, 2024 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0531-2024
  • Class II Terminated

    EYLEA, (aflibercept) Injection, 2 mg (0.05mL of a 40mg/mL solution), Single-dose Pre-filled Syringe, Rx only, Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, NDC 61755-…

    Reason: Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Complaints of syringe breakage

    Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc

    Lots, distribution and details
    Product
    EYLEA, (aflibercept) Injection, 2 mg (0.05mL of a 40mg/mL solution), Single-dose Pre-filled Syringe, Rx only, Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, NDC 61755-005-01
    Lots / codes
    Lot # 8231500321, Exp 10/31 24; 8231500335, 8231500333, 8231500334, 8231500339, 8231500347, Exp 1/30/25
    Distribution
    USA Nationwide
    Quantity
    251,504 syringes
    Recall started
    April 23, 2024 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0479-2024

Have this medicine at home? Compare the lot number and expiry date on your package with the recall. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can be riskier than the recalled lot. Your pharmacist can check it and usually swap it for an unaffected one.

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID f96cfd69-da34-41ee-90a9-610a4655cd1c.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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