A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Eylea (aflibercept) is a medication designed to treat specific eye conditions that result from vascular issues, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic macular edema (DME), and diabetic retinopathy in patients with DME. This injectable drug works by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels in the eye, effectively managing, and slowing disease progression. Aflibercept belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents, which help to decrease the fluid in the eyes that can cause vision impairment.
Before you buy Eylea injection, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Eylea cost.
Fact Table | |
---|---|
Formula | C4318H6788N1164O1304S32 |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | Not applicable (intravitreal injection) |
Legal status | Prescription Drugs |
Chemical Name | Aflibercept |
Elimination half-life | 1.5 days (intravitreal) |
Dosage (Strength) | 2 mg/0.05 mL (40 mg/mL) solution |
Pregnancy | Not recommended |
Brands | Eylea |
Protein binding | 92-95% |
PubChem CID | 71308666 |
MedlinePlus | a611009 |
ChEBI | Not applicable |
ATC code | S01LA05 |
DrugBank | DB08885 (Aflibercept) |
KEGG | D09794 |
Routes of administration | Intravitreal injection |
Eylea is administered by a healthcare provider as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is injected directly into the eye. The dosing schedule typically follows:
For AMD: The usual dosage is one injection every four weeks for the first 12 weeks, followed by one injection every 8 weeks.
For DME and Diabetic Retinopathy: After five initial monthly injections, dosing can continue every 8 weeks.
For RVO: Injections are usually given once a month.
Patients must follow their doctor's specific instructions and continue regular appointments to monitor the eye's response to the treatment and adjust dosing as necessary.
Eylea injection uses aflibercept as its active ingredient.
Before receiving Eylea, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any of the following:
Any history of blood clots or stroke
Heart diseases or previous heart attacks
Any infection or inflammation in or around the eye
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it is unknown if Eylea can affect the fetus
Allergic reactions to aflibercept or any other components of Eylea
The injection procedure itself must be performed under sterile conditions to minimize the risk of eye infection and other complications such as retinal detachment or cataracts.
There are currently no specific drugs known to have significant interactions with Eylea. However, patients should still inform their healthcare providers about all medications they are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This information will help the provider to manage or prevent potential interactions.
Common side effects include:
What is Eylea (Aflibercept)?
Eylea, also known as aflibercept, is a prescription medication used to slow down the progression of vision loss from certain eye conditions. It’s a type of drug known as a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor.
How long does Eylea stay in your system?
The exact duration Eylea stays in your system is not specified, but its effects are usually observed within 3 months of treatment.
Does Eylea cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not commonly reported as a side effect of Eylea.
Is Eylea a steroid?
No, Eylea is not a steroid. It’s a type of drug known as a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor.
What to expect after an Eylea injection?
After an Eylea injection, you may experience temporary visual changes, eye pain or redness, and light sensitivity. Your vision should recover sufficiently before you drive or use machinery.
How does Eylea work?
Eylea works by blocking a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. This prevents the growth of new blood vessels, including those that feed tumors, which can slow the growth and spread of tumors.
Can Eylea cause high blood pressure?
Eylea injections into the eye are associated with a substantial but temporary increase in blood pressure in some patients.
How fast does Eylea work?
Eylea usually works within 3 months, with some people noticing improvements in as little as one month of treatment, depending on the condition being treated.
How long can you take Eylea?
Eylea is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Eylea is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely continue treatment long term.
How is Eylea administered?
Eylea is administered by injection into the eye by a healthcare professional.