Ziv-Aflibercept is a drug that is classified as antineoplastic and is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.This drug is used to treat colon cancer that has metastasized.
Availability, dosage and administration
Ziv-Aflibercept is not available in pill form and is given intravenously for over one hour on the same day as the chemotherapy treatment is to be given. The amount given to the patient depends on factors like weight and overall health.
Availability
100 mg/4 mL vial (25 mg/mL)
200 mg/8 mL vial (25 mg/mL)
Dosage
4 mg /kg IV infused over one hour q2 weeks
Side effects
Most people do not experience side effects while being treated with Ziv-Aflibercept. Even if side effects occur they are predictable in terms of their onset and duration. These side effects are almost always reversible and will go after the treatment is complete. The most common side effects are listed below.
- Low blood count
- Protein in urine
- Diarrhoea
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hypertension
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Hand foot syndrome
- Eye discomfort
- Blood clots
- Fistulas
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Precautions
- Before starting Ziv-Aflibercept treatment, inform your doctor about other medications that you might be taking.
- Do not take any kind of vaccination or immunization without informing your doctor.
- Do not undergo any procedures or surgeries without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor before starting the treatment if you are pregnant.
- Do not conceive a child while on Ziv-Aflibercept treatment. This applies to both men and women.
- Do not breastfeed while on treatment of Ziv-Aflibercept.
