Uses Of Ziv-Aflibercept Injection
Ziv-aflibercept injections are used along with other medications to treat colon and/or rectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Ziv-aflibercept is an antiangiogenic agent, meaning that it works by preventing the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and other nutrients to tumors, which may slow tumor growth and spread.
Side Effects Of Ziv-Aflibercept Injection
Ziv-aflibercept injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or persist:
- changes in voice
- darkening of the skin
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- dryness, thickness, cracking, or blistering of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
- fatigue
- hemorrhoids
- loss of appetite
- sores in the mouth or throat
- weight loss
Some side effects of ziv-aflibercept injection can be serious. Seek treatment immediately if you experience the following:
- chest pain
- confusion
- dizziness/faintness
- extreme fatigue
- fever, chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, or other signs of infection
- foamy urine
- headache
- leakage of fluids through openings in the skin
- pain, tenderness, warmth, redness, or swelling in only one leg
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- slowness or difficulty of speech
- sudden vision problems
- swollen face, eyes, stomach, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- unexplained weight gain
- weakness/numbness of an arm or leg
- pain, tenderness, warmth, redness, or swelling in only one leg
Ziv-aflibercept may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving ziv-aflibercept injection:
- tell your physician and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications, including ziv-aflibercept.
- notify your doctor and pharmacist of any other medications (prescription or over-the counter) and supplements you are taking.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning to have a child (regardless of whether you are male or female). Use birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for at least 3 months afterwards. Call your doctor immediately if you or your partner become pregnant during treatment as ziv-aflibercept may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding, which you should not do during treatment.
- you should know that ziv-aflibercept is known to cause high blood pressure. Have you blood pressure checked regularly during treatment.
Dosage Of Ziv-Aflibercept Injection
Ziv-aflibercept injection is a solution to be injected into a vein over at the course of an hour or more. This will be done by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. Treatment is usually given once every 14 days.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory, as lab tests will periodically be ordered to check your body’s response to ziv-aflibercept injections.
