Zaltrap

Ziv-aflibercept is used to treat cancer of the colon and rectum.

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.

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: signs of kidney problems (such as 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, slow wound healing.

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 cause serious (possibly fatal) bleeding. It may also rarely cause a hole to open in the stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal perforation). Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, easy or unusual bleeding/bruising (such as from cuts, gums, nosebleeds), pink/dark urine, bloody or black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, coughing up blood, lightheadedness, unusual tiredness/weakness.

This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough).

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Your doctor may control your blood pressure with 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before receiving ziv-aflibercept, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aflibercept; 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).

This medication may cause wounds to heal slowly or poorly. You should not receive this medication for at least 4 weeks before and at least 4 weeks after major surgery, until wounds from the surgery are fully healed. Ask your doctor for specific instructions about when to stop and when to restart treatment with this medication.

Ziv-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.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using ziv-aflibercept. Ziv-aflibercept may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 1 month after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 1 month after stopping treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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.

Ziv-aflibercept is very similar to aflibercept. Do not use ziv-aflibercept while using the form of aflibercept that is also given by injection into a vein.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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 right away to establish a new dosing schedule.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, urine protein, complete blood count, liver function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.