ziv-aflibercept

What is the most important information I should know about ziv-aflibercept?

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using ziv-aflibercept.

What is ziv-aflibercept?

Ziv-aflibercept is used in combination chemotherapy to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Ziv-aflibercept is usually given after other medications did not work or have stopped working.

Ziv-aflibercept may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ziv-aflibercept?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• bleeding problems;
• heart problems, high blood pressure;
• open sores or skin wounds; or
• surgery or dental work within the past 4 weeks.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

How is ziv-aflibercept given?

Ziv-aflibercept is given as an infusion into a vein, usually every other week. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

You will need frequent medical tests and blood pressure checks.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving ziv-aflibercept?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of ziv-aflibercept?

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, rectum), or any bleeding that will not stop;
• signs of bleeding inside your body --feeling light-headed; pink or brown urine; bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or
• signs of bleeding in the brain --sudden weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, problems with speech or vision.

• severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;
• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
• any wound that will not heal;
• headache, confusion, thinking problems, vision loss, seizure;
• signs of a blood clot --chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness;
• signs of perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines --fever, ongoing stomach pain, change in bowel habits;
• signs of a fistula (abnormal passageway) in your lower body --rectal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain or swelling in your lower stomach, problems with urination or bowel movements.
• dehydration symptoms --feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
• signs of a kidney disorder --puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain, urine that looks foamy; or
• low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Older adults may be more likely to have severe diarrhea or get dehydrated.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• increased blood pressure;
• low white blood cells;
• bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds;
• stomach pain, diarrhea;
• mouth sores, loss of appetite, weight loss;
• headache, feeling tired;
• hoarse voice; or
• abnormal kidney or liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ziv-aflibercept?

Other drugs may affect ziv-aflibercept, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ziv-aflibercept.