Ziv-aflibercept

Generic name: ziv-aflibercept [ ZIV-a-FLIB-er-sept ]
Brand name: Zaltrap
Dosage form: intravenous solution (25 mg/mL)
Drug class: VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 12, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

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.

Ziv-aflibercept side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ziv-aflibercept can make it easier for you to bleed. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have:

• 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.

Ziv-aflibercept may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• 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 of ziv-aflibercept 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.

Related/similar drugs

Opdivo, Keytruda, capecitabine, pembrolizumab, Avastin, Xeloda, Betaseron

Warnings

Ziv-aflibercept may cause serious and sometimes fatal bleeding. Call your doctor at once if you have any signs of unusual bleeding, including easy bruising, bloody stools, coughing up blood, or feeling light-headed or short of breath.

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

Before taking this medicine

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.

Ziv-aflibercept may harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using ziv-aflibercept and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

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.

You should not breastfeed while you are using ziv-aflibercept, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

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.

Ziv-aflibercept can cause problems with wound healing, which could result in bleeding or infection. You will need to stop receiving ziv-aflibercept at least 4 weeks before having any surgery or dental work. Do not start using the medicine for at least 4 weeks after surgery, or until your surgical incision heals.

Ziv-aflibercept dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Colorectal Cancer:

4 mg/kg IV over 1 hour every 2 weeks; administer this drug prior to any component of the FOLFIRI regimen on the day of treatment
-Duration of therapy: until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Use: This drug in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan-(FOLFIRI), is indicated for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your ziv-aflibercept injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since ziv-aflibercept 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 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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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