The basics
Ziv-aflibercept (brand name-Zaltrap) is an FDA-approved treatment used in combination with other medications for cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum that has spread to other parts of the body.
Ziv-aflibercept is in a class of medications called antiangiogenic agents. It works by stopping the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to tumors. This may slow the growth and spread of tumors.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about ziv-aflibercept.
Make sure you read IMPORTANT WARNING section at the end of this article.
How should I take ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)?
Ziv-aflibercept is injected into a vein over at least 1 hour by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. Ziv-aflibercept is usually given once every 14 days.
Your doctor may need to delay your treatment or adjust your dose if you experience certain side effects. It is important for you to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with ziv-aflibercept.
Do not stop taking treatment without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)?
Common side effects
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- sores in the mouth or throat
- tiredness
- voice changes
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- darkening of the skin
- dryness, thickness, cracking, or blistering of skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- pain, tenderness, warmth, redness, or swelling in one leg only
- sore throat, fever, chills, ongoing cough and congestion, or other signs of infection
- swelling of the face, eyes, stomach, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Serious side effects
- leakage of fluids through an opening in the skin
- hemorrhoids
- slow or difficult speech
- headache
- dizziness or faintness
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- seizures
- extreme tiredness
- confusion
- change in vision or loss of vision
- unexplained weight gain
- foamy urine
- fistula formation
Ziv-aflibercept may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. You or your partner should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with ziv-aflibercept and for at least 3 months after you stop using the medication.
While you are on ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)
- If you or your partner become pregnant while using ziv-aflibercept, call your doctor. Ziv-aflibercept may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breastfeed during your treatment with ziv-aflibercept.
- you should know that ziv-aflibercept may cause high blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly while you are receiving ziv-aflibercept.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Zaltrap®
Last Revised – 12/19/2023, FDA-updated-9/25/2020, SG
Ziv-aflibercept may cause severe bleeding that can be life-threatening. Tell your doctor if you have recently noticed any unusual bruising or bleeding. Your doctor may not want you to receive ziv-aflibercept. If you experience any of the following symptoms at any time during your treatment, call your doctor immediately: nosebleeds or bleeding from your gums; coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual bleeding or bruising; pink, red, or dark brown urine; red or tarry black bowel movements; dizziness; or weakness.
Ziv-aflibercept may cause you to develop a hole in the wall of your stomach or intestine. This is a serious and possibly life-threatening condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or fever.
Ziv-aflibercept may slow the healing of wounds, such as cuts made by a doctor during surgery. In some cases, ziv-aflibercept may cause a wound that has closed to split open. This is a serious and possibly life-threatening condition. If you experience this problem, call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if you have recently had surgery or if you plan to have surgery, including dental surgery. If you have recently had surgery, you should not use ziv-aflibercept until at least 28 days have passed and until the area has completely healed. If you are scheduled to have surgery, your doctor will stop your treatment with ziv-aflibercept at least 28 days before the surgery.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of using ziv-aflibercept. The drug is not administered as an intravenous push or bolus.
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