EYLEA is indicated for the treatment of patients with:

Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Macular Edema Following Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

General Dosing Information

FOR OPHTHALMIC INTRAVITREAL INJECTION ONLY. EYLEA must only be administered by a qualified physician.

Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The recommended dose for EYLEA is 2 mg (0.05 mL or 50 microliters) administered by intravitreal injection every 4 weeks (monthly) for the first 12 weeks (3 months), followed by 2 mg (0.05 mL) via intravitreal injection once every 8 weeks (2 months). Although EYLEA may be dosed as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks (monthly), additional efficacy was not demonstrated when EYLEA was dosed every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks [see Clinical Studies].

Macular Edema Following Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

The recommended dose for EYLEA is 2 mg (0.05 mL or 50 microliters) administered by intravitreal injection once every 4 weeks (monthly) [see Clinical Studies].

Preparation for Administration

EYLEA should be inspected visually prior to administration. If particulates, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible, the vial must not be used.

Using aseptic technique, the intravitreal injection should be performed with a 30-gauge x ½-inch injection needle.

Vial

The glass vial is for single use only.

1. Remove the protective plastic cap from the vial (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

2. Clean the top of the vial with an alcohol wipe (see Figure 2).

Figure 2

3. Remove the 19-gauge x 1½-inch, 5-micron, filter needle from its pouch and remove the 1-mL syringe supplied in the carton from its pouch. Attach the filter needle to the syringe by twisting it onto the Luer lock syringe tip (see Figure 3).

Figure 3

4. Push the filter needle into the center of the vial stopper until the needle is completely inserted into the vial and the tip touches the bottom or bottom edge of the vial.

5. Using aseptic technique withdraw all of the EYLEA vial contents into the syringe, keeping the vial in an upright position, slightly inclined to ease complete withdrawal. To deter the introduction of air, ensure the bevel of the filter needle is submerged into the liquid. Continue to tilt the vial during withdrawal keeping the bevel of the filter needle submerged in the liquid (see Figures 4a and 4b).

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

6. Ensure that the plunger rod is drawn sufficiently back when emptying the vial in order to completely empty the filter needle.

7. Remove the filter needle from the syringe and properly dispose of the filter needle. Note: Filter needle is not to be used for intravitreal injection.

8. Remove the 30-gauge x ½-inch injection needle from the plastic pouch and attach the injection needle to the syringe by firmly twisting the injection needle onto the Luer lock syringe tip (see Figure 5).

Figure 5

9. When ready to administer EYLEA, remove the plastic needle shield from the needle.

10. Holding the syringe with the needle pointing up, check the syringe for bubbles. If there are bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (see Figure 6).

Figure 6

11. To eliminate all of the bubbles and to expel excess drug, SLOWLY depress the plunger so that the plunger tip aligns with the line that marks 0.05 mL on the syringe (see Figures 7a and 7b).

Figure 7a

Figure 7b

Administration

The intravitreal injection procedure should be carried out under controlled aseptic conditions, which include surgical hand disinfection and the use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent). Adequate anesthesia and a topical broad–spectrum microbicide should be given prior to the injection.

Immediately following the intravitreal injection, patients should be monitored for elevation in intraocular pressure. Appropriate monitoring may consist of a check for perfusion of the optic nerve head or tonometry. If required, a sterile paracentesis needle should be available.

Following intravitreal injection, patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment (e.g., eye pain, redness of the eye, photophobia, blurring of vision) without delay [see PATIENT INFORMATION].

Each vial should only be used for the treatment of a single eye. If the contralateral eye requires treatment, a new vial should be used and the sterile field, syringe, gloves, drapes, eyelid speculum, filter, and injection needles should be changed before EYLEA is administered to the other eye.

After injection, any unused product must be discarded.

No special dosage modification is required for any of the populations that have been studied (e.g., gender, elderly).

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Single-use, glass vial designed to provide 0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution for intravitreal injection.

Storage And Handling

Each Vial is for single eye use only. EYLEA is supplied in the following presentation [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Storage

EYLEA should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do Not Freeze. Do not use beyond the date stamped on the carton and container label. Protect from light. Store in the original carton until time of use.

Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 777 Old Saw Mill River Road Tarrytown, NY 10591-6707.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/10/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.