Zaltrap IV

Aflibercept is used with other medications to treat cancer of the colon and rectum.

How to use Zaltrap IV
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 weeks. The medication is injected slowly into a vein over 1 hour.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
You should receive this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive the next dose.

See also Warning section.
Diarrhea, headache, mouth pain/sores, runny nose, voice changes, weight loss, weakness, tiredness, or darkening of the skin may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: change in the amount of urine, swelling hands/ankles/feet, severe/persistent diarrhea, signs of dehydration (such as muscle cramps, extreme thirst, dizziness), pain/redness/swelling/tingling/burning of the hands/feet.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, vision changes, seizure.
This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, cough).
Aflibercept may increase blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly while you are receiving this medication.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

See also Warning section.
Before receiving aflibercept, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, kidney disease, recent surgery, recent injuries/wounds, recent/current infection, blood/bone marrow disorders (such as low platelet/neutrophil/red blood cell levels), bleeding problems (such as bleeding of the stomach/intestines).
Before having surgery or any medical procedure, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Aflibercept can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and weakness.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy (in female patients and female partners of male patients) while using this medication and for 3 months after stopping treatment. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while using this medication. If you or your partner become pregnant or if you think you or your partner may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, urine protein test, complete blood count, liver function) should be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised September 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.