Zaltrap

Zaltrap Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Zaltrap is a brand name. Its generic name is Aflibercept.

Introduction

Zaltrap is a prescription medicine used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic macular edema (a complication of diabetes affecting the central portion of the retina). It is the first-line treatment for these diseases, as it slows the progression of vision loss and helps maintain vision function.

Uses For

Zaltrap is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). By decreasing the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the eye, aflibercept can slow down the progression of vision loss and help maintain vision function.

Mechanism of Action

Zaltrap works by binding to VEGF-A and other related factors in the eye, thereby reducing the activity of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. This leads to a reduction in edema, swelling, and leakage, allowing the macula to function more normally and preserving vision.

How Long Does ItTake to Work?

The effects of aflibercept can vary depending on the individual. Generally, it can take up to 3 months to see an improvement in vision.

Absorption

Zaltrap is a biologic drug, meaning it is made of living organisms and is administered directly into the eye. Because of this, it is only minimally absorbed into the body and does not have systemic absorption.

Route of Elimination

Zaltrap is eliminated from the body mainly through the urine.

Dosage

The recommended dose of aflibercept is 2 mg (0.05 mL) injected into the eye once every four weeks.

Administration

Zaltrap is administered as an intravitreal injection directly into the eye, usually by an ophthalmologist. The injection should be given in the office, or in a sterile environment in a clinic, hospital or other medical facility.

Side Effects

Common side effects of aflibercept include: eye pain, conjunctival hemorrhage, visual disturbances, vitreous floaters, and intraocular inflammation. If any of these side effects occur, the dose should be reduced or stopped. Severe rare side effects of aflibercept may include vitreous detachment and endophthalmitis.

Toxicity

No cases of toxicity have been reported from aflibercept use. Even so, it is important to speak to a doctor if any signs of toxicity occur.

Precautions

Zaltrap should be used with caution in people with a history of intraocular inflammation or retinal problems. To ensure safety, an eye doctor should check on the patient shortly after receiving a dose of aflibercept.

Interactions

Zaltrap is known to interact with other medications such as high blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, and steroids. It is particularly important to talk to a doctor before combining aflibercept with any other medications, as interactions may increase the risk of side effects or decrease the effectiveness of aflibercept.

Disease Interactions

Zaltrap should not be used in people with certain diseases, such as severe uncontrolled bleeding or severe infection.

Drug Interactions

Zaltrap is known to interact with other drugs, including steroids, anticoagulants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is important to talk to a doctor before taking aflibercept with any other drugs, as interactions may increase the risk of side effects or decrease the effectiveness of aflibercept.

Food Interactions

Zaltrap is not known to interact with any foods.

Pregnancy Use

Zaltrap is classified as Pregnancy Category C, meaning it is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant should use contraception during treatment.

Lactation Use

Zaltrap is not known to be excreted in breast milk. However, it is not recommended to be used while breastfeeding.

Acute Overdose

No cases of acute overdose have been reported. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

Contraindications

Zaltrap is contraindicated in people with active infectious ocular inflammation, active intraocular inflammation (including uveitis), severe uncontrolled ocular hypertension, or uncontrolled glaucoma.

Use Directions

Zaltrap is intended for intravitreal injection, and should be administered by an ophthalmologist trained in the administration of injectable treatments. It should be given as 2 mg (0.05 mL) once every four weeks.

Storage Conditions

Zaltrap should be stored in the refrigerator, at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. It should not be frozen or heated.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of aflibercept is 49L.

Half Life

Zaltrap has a half-life of 29 hours in humans.

Clearance

Zaltrap has a clearance rate of 0.3 L/hr in humans.

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