Eylea and Eylea HD (aflibercept) are prescription drugs used to treat certain types of eye conditions. Each comes as a liquid solution given as an injection into the eye. The dosing schedules can vary depending on the conditions they’re being used to treat.

Eylea and Eylea HD are used in adults to slow down vision loss from:

Eylea is also used to treat:

The active ingredient in Eylea and Eylea HD is aflibercept. (Eylea HD means Eylea “higher dose.” Eylea HD contains a higher dose of the active ingredient than Eylea.) These drugs are biologic medications made from living cells. They belong to a group of drugs called vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors.

This article describes the dosages of Eylea, as well as its strengths and how it’s given. To learn more about Eylea, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Eylea and Eylea HD. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Eylea’s form?

Eylea and Eylea HD are available as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection into the back of the eye.

Eylea comes as prefilled syringes and as single-dose vials.

Eylea HD comes as single-dose vials.

What strengths does Eylea come in?

Eylea comes in one strength of 40 milligrams (mg) per milliliter (mL).

Eylea HD comes in one strength of 114.3 mg/mL.

What are the usual dosages of Eylea?

Your doctor will typically give Eylea injections more often when you begin treatment with the medication. Then, they’ll adjust how often you receive Eylea over time to your maintenance dosing schedule.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. For more information about your dosage of Eylea, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for neovascular (wet) AMD

The typical Eylea dosage for adults with neovascular (wet) AMD depends on which form of Eylea your doctor prescribes.

Dosage of Eylea

The recommended starting dosage of Eylea is 2 mg given once every 4 weeks (about every 28 days) for the first 3 months.

Then, your doctor will adjust your dosage. The typical maintenance dosage is 2 mg given once every 8 weeks (every 2 months).

Some people may receive different maintenance dosing schedules of Eylea. For example, your eye doctor may continue to give you 2 mg every 4 weeks (about every 25 days) even after 12 weeks (3 months). In some cases, your doctor may give 2 mg every 12 weeks after 1 year of treatment. But this dosing regimen isn’t as effective as receiving Eylea injections once every 8 weeks.

Your doctor will regularly monitor your eye health. They’ll determine the best dosing schedule to fit your needs.

Dosage of Eylea HD

The recommended starting dosage of Eylea HD is 8 mg given once every 4 weeks (about every 28 days) for the first three doses. Then, your doctor will adjust your dosing schedule. The typical maintenance dosage is 8 mg given once every 8 to 16 weeks.

Dosage for diabetic macular edema

For adults with diabetic macular edema, the dosage of Eylea depends on the form of Eylea you’re prescribed.

Dosage of Eylea

The recommended starting dosage of Eylea is 2 mg given once every 4 weeks (about every 28 days) for the first five doses. Then, your doctor will adjust your dosing schedule. The typical maintenance dosage is 2 mg given once every 8 weeks.

Some people may receive 2 mg every 4 weeks even after the first 5 weeks of treatment.

Dosage of Eylea HD

The recommended starting dosage of Eylea HD is 8 mg given once every 4 weeks (about every 28 days) for three doses. Then, your doctor will adjust your dosing schedule. The typical maintenance dosage is 8 mg given once every 8 to 16 weeks.

Dosage for diabetic retinopathy

For adults with diabetic retinopathy, the Eylea dosage depends on the form of the drug you’re prescribed.

Dosage of Eylea

The recommended starting dosage of Eylea is 2 mg given once every 4 weeks (about every 28 days) for the first five doses. Then your doctor will adjust your dosing schedule. The typical maintenance dosage is 2 mg given once every 8 weeks.

Some people may receive 2 mg every 4 weeks even after the first 5 weeks of treatment.

Your doctor will regularly monitor your eyes and recommend the best dosing schedule to fit your needs.

Dosage of Eylea HD

The recommended starting dosage of Eylea HD is 8 mg given once every 4 weeks (about every 28 days) for the first three doses. Then your doctor will adjust your dosing schedule. The maintenance dosage is 8 mg given once every 8 to 12 weeks.

Dosage for macular edema from retinal vein occlusion

Eylea is approved for use in adults with macular edema from retinal vein occlusion. The typical dosage is 2 mg given once every 4 weeks (about every 25 days).

Note that Eylea HD is not approved for this use.

What’s the dosage of Eylea for children?

Eylea is used to help treat retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. (Eylea HD is not approved for this use.)

The recommended dosage is 0.4 mg given once into the affected eye. Some infants may need more than one dose of Eylea. In this case, their doctor will wait 10 days before injecting 0.4 mg of Eylea into the same eye.

For more information about Eylea’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor to learn more.

Is Eylea used long term?

Yes, Eylea is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely receive it long term.

Eylea is given as an injection into the back of the eye by an eye care specialist. Before you receive an Eylea injection, you’ll receive medications to prevent eye infection and numb your eye or eyes so you don’t feel pain.

Your doctor will inject Eylea using a thin needle. To learn more about eye injections, see this article.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.