Ziv-Aflibercept (ziv a-FLIB-er-sept)

Treats cancer of the colon or rectum.

Brand Name(s):

Zaltrap

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before prescribing this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 1 month after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, bleeding disorder, blood clotting problems, high blood pressure, or a history of angina, heart attack, or stroke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Stomach or bowel problems, including perforation (hole)
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased risk of blood clots
  • Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS)
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine could make wounds heal slower. You may need to stop using this medicine 4 weeks before having surgery.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Black, tarry stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf), problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Severe diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Severe or sudden headache, seizures, confusion, blurred vision
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness, lightheadedness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite
• Mild diarrhea
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088