 is a prescription medication used along with other medications to treat cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread to other parts of the body. Zaltrap belongs to a group of drugs called antiangiogenic agents. It works by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to tumors. Without nutrients, growth and spread of tumors is slowed.This medication comes in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare provider. Zaltrap is usually given once every 14 days.Common side effects of... "Pin It")
Zaltrap OverviewFollow Medication
Zaltrap (generic: ziv-aflibercept) is a prescription medication used along with other medications to treat cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread to other parts of the body. Zaltrap belongs to a group of drugs called antiangiogenic agents. It works by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to tumors. Without nutrients, growth and spread of tumors is slowed.
This medication comes in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare provider. Zaltrap is usually given once every 14 days.
Common side effects of Zaltrap include decreased white blood cell count, tiredness, mouth ulcers, and diarrhea.
Uses of Zaltrap
Zaltrap is a prescription medicine used in people with colorectal cancer whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and whose tumors progressed after treatment with other medications. Zaltrap is used along with another cancer medicine called Folfiri.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Zaltrap
Zaltrap may cause serious side effects. See "Black Box Warning" and "Drug Precautions".
In clinical trials, common side effects of Zaltrap/Folfiri treatment were:
- decreased white blood cell count
- diarrhea
- mouth ulcers
- fatigue (tiredness)
- high blood pressure
- increased amount of protein in the urine (pee)
- weight loss
- loss of desire to eat
- stomach pain
- and headache
This is not a complete list of Zaltrap side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Zaltrap Interactions
No Zaltrap drug interactions have been identified, however, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.
Zaltrap Precautions
Zaltrap can cause bleeding (hemorrhage) which can be severe and sometimes cause death. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms of bleeding including lightheadedness.
Zaltrap may weaken the body's ability to heal surgical wounds (cuts). Do not have surgery or dental surgery without first talking to your doctor and dentist about the risks.
Zaltrap can cause high blood pressure or worsen high blood pressure. You should have your blood pressure checked often. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as severe headache, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Zaltrap can cause gastrointestinal perforation which is a hole that develops through the entire wall of the stomach, small intestine, large bowel, or gallbladder. This condition is a medical emergency. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, constipation, upset stomach, vomiting, or fever.
Zaltrap can cause fistulas to form. A fistula is an abnormal connection between an organ, vessel, or intestine and another structure. Tell your doctor if you experience, fever and severe pain.
Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain.
Zaltrap can cause an increased risk of arterial thromboembolic events.
Zaltrap should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Both men and women receiving Zaltrap should use effective birth control during Zaltrap treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of Zaltrap therapy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner become pregnant during Zaltrap treatment.
Zaltrap Food Interactions
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Zaltrap there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Zaltrap.
Inform MD
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Zaltrap or any other medicines.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Before receiving Zaltrap, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions including if you:
- have high blood pressure
- have recently had surgery or plan to have surgery
Zaltrap and Pregnancy
Zaltrap should not be used in pregnancy. Both men and women who receive Zaltrap should use effective birth control during Zaltrap treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner get pregnant while receiving Zaltrap.
Zaltrap and Lactation
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Zaltrap is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your baby.
Zaltrap Usage
Zaltrap comes as a liquid to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by your doctor or healthcare provider in a medical setting (hospital or clinic). The injection will last an hour. You will likely receive an injection every 2 weeks. You will also receive another cancer medicine during Zaltrap treatment. Depending on how your body responds, your doctor may delay or stop your Zaltrap treatments.
Zaltrap Dosage
The dose you will receive is calculated by your doctor based on your body weight. The recommended dose is Zaltrap 4 mg/kg.
Zaltrap Overdose
Zaltrap is usually administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting making it unlikely for an overdose to occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.
Other Requirements
Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory. To get the most benefit, you should receive Zaltrap doses as scheduled. If you miss an appointment, reschedule as soon as possible.
Zaltrap FDA Warning
WARNING: HEMORRHAGE, GASTROINTESTINAL PERFORATION, COMPROMISED WOUND HEALING
Hemorrhage: Severe and sometimes fatal hemorrhage, including gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, has been reported in the patients who have received Zaltrap in combination with FOLFIRI. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of GI bleeding and other severe bleeding. Do not administer Zaltrap to patients with severe hemorrhage.
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