Eylea Side Effects – A Complete List

Intravitreal injections, including anti-VEGF therapies, are essential in treating retinal conditions, though they come with a low yet significant risk of side effects. These can range from mild irritation to more serious complications such as intraocular inflammation. While these treatments are vital for managing diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), understanding the potential risks is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.

One such widely used treatment, Eylea (aflibercept), has proven effective in preserving vision in patients with AMD and DME. However, it’s important to recognize the possible side effects of this therapy to make informed and safe treatment choices.

In this article, we will explore a comprehensive list of Eylea’s side effects, including both common and rare reactions, along with expert advice on how to manage these risks effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Most patients tolerate Eylea well, with common side effects like mild eye redness, temporary blurred vision, and discomfort typically resolving within a few days.
• Serious complications, although rare, include infections, retinal detachment, and increased intraocular pressure, which necessitate immediate medical attention.
• Eylea works by blocking VEGF, which can lead to both beneficial effects and side effects, highlighting the importance of understanding patient-specific risk factors.
• Proper pre-treatment assessments and proactive monitoring after injections can mitigate risks and enhance patient safety.
• Patients should be educated on symptoms that require urgent care to minimize the risk of permanent vision damage.

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Common Side Effects

Most patients tolerate Eylea well, but some experience mild, temporary side effects post-injection. These typically resolve within a few days.

• Eye Redness: Mild irritation or conjunctival hemorrhage due to the injection.
• Temporary Blurred Vision: Occurs as the eye adjusts after treatment.
• Eye Pain or Discomfort: Common as a reaction to the needle puncture.
• Increased Eye Pressure: Some patients report a brief spike in intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Watery or Dry Eyes: Temporary changes in tear production can occur.

These side effects are usually self-limiting and do not require intervention unless they persist or worsen.

Rare but Serious Complications

Although uncommon, Eylea can cause severe complications that require immediate medical attention.

• Endophthalmitis: A rare but serious eye infection causing severe pain, vision loss, and swelling.
• Retinal Detachment: Sudden vision changes, flashes of light, or floaters may indicate detachment.
• Severe Inflammation (Uveitis): Persistent redness, pain, and light sensitivity may occur.
• Blood Clots and Stroke Risk: Though rare, some patients experience increased cardiovascular risks.
• Severe Intraocular Pressure Increase: Can lead to glaucoma or optic nerve damage if untreated.

Mechanisms Behind Adverse Reactions

Eylea works by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), reducing abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. While beneficial, this mechanism can disrupt normal vascular functions, leading to side effects.

• Inflammation: The immune system may react to the injection, causing swelling.
• Circulatory Effects: VEGF suppression might affect blood clot formation, increasing stroke risk in vulnerable individuals.
• Structural Changes in the Eye: Repeated injections may impact retinal integrity, leading to detachment or fibrosis.

Risk Factors and Patient Management Strategies

Certain patients are at a higher risk of experiencing Eylea side effects, requiring careful assessment before treatment. Those with glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, stroke history, blood clot disorders, or autoimmune diseases are more vulnerable. Patients with multiple previous eye surgeries also face increased risks. Identifying these factors helps healthcare providers tailor treatment plans and prevent adverse reactions.

To minimize risks, practitioners should conduct thorough pre-treatment screenings and assess for contraindications. Using antibiotic eye drops before and after injections helps prevent infections. Monitoring intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma-prone patients is essential, as is educating patients about post-injection symptoms requiring urgent care. These proactive strategies improve both patient safety and treatment outcomes, ensuring a smoother recovery process.

Monitoring and Mitigation Guidelines

Proper post-injection monitoring is essential to reducing Eylea side effects and ensuring patient safety. After treatment, patients should watch for sudden vision loss, severe pain, or persistent redness. They must also avoid rubbing or pressing the treated eye to prevent irritation or infection. A follow-up appointment within a few weeks allows the doctor to assess healing and address any concerns.

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention to prevent complications. Severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or flashes of light may indicate serious issues like retinal detachment. Patients should also seek emergency care for excessive floaters, curtain-like vision blockage, persistent swelling, discharge, or fever, as these could signal an infection or inflammation. 

Prompt intervention reduces the risk of permanent vision damage, ensuring that the Eylea indications—such as treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME)—are effectively managed without further complications.

Conclusion

Eylea is a highly effective treatment for retinal conditions, offering significant benefits to patients. However, like any medical procedure, it carries certain risks. While the majority of side effects are mild and transient, serious complications can arise in rare instances. 

A thorough understanding of the associated risk factors, mechanisms, and preventive strategies is essential to ensure safe and effective administration of the treatment.

FAQs

1. How long do Eylea side effects last?

Mild side effects like redness, irritation, and blurry vision typically subside within 24–48 hours. More serious side effects, like inflammation or high eye pressure, may last longer and require medical attention.

2. Can Eylea cause permanent vision damage?

While rare, serious complications like retinal detachment or endophthalmitis can potentially lead to vision loss if left untreated. Immediate medical attention is crucial for severe symptoms.

3. Who is most at risk for Eylea complications?

Patients with glaucoma, prior strokes, or immune disorders have a higher risk of complications. Regular monitoring and risk assessments help ensure safe treatment.

4. Can Eylea injections be stopped if side effects occur?

If a patient experiences severe or recurring side effects, a doctor may adjust the dosage, change the injection frequency, or explore alternative treatments.

References

Zehden JA, Mortensen XM, Reddy A, Zhang AY. Systemic and Ocular Adverse Events with Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy Used in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy: a Review. Current Diabetes Reports. 2022;22(10):525-536. doi:10.1007/s11892-022-01491-y

Falavarjani K, Nguyen QD. Adverse Events and Complications Associated with Intravitreal Injection of Anti-VEGF Agents: A Review of Literature. Eye. 2013;27(7):787-794. doi:10.1038/eye.2013.107.