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Can you take Aflibercept Injection while pregnant?

Updated Sep 7, 20262 min readAnswer
On this pageShort answer Pregnancy and aflibercept: what to know Common questions Related questions Sources
Short answer

**Aflibercept injection is generally not recommended during pregnancy, so treatment is usually postponed or another approach is used.**

Aflibercept works by blocking VEGF, a protein a developing fetus needs to build normal blood vessels, and animal studies have shown harm to the fetus. Eye injections use a small dose, but a measurable amount still reaches your bloodstream. The prescribing information advises effective birth control before your first dose, throughout treatment, and for at least 3 months after your last injection. The decision depends on how fast your eye condition is progressing, how much vision is at stake, and whether laser treatment or close monitoring can safely bridge the pregnancy. Bring your eye specialist and your pregnancy care provider into the same conversation so one plan covers both.

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Pregnancy and aflibercept: what to know

1Tell your eye specialist early:Report a pregnancy or pregnancy plans before your next scheduled injection, not after it.
2Use reliable contraception:Plan for effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after your final dose.
3Ask about the timing:Some eye conditions can be monitored or treated with laser while you are pregnant, so ask what delay is safe for your vision.
4Loop in your obstetric team:Share the drug name and your injection dates so your prenatal care reflects the same plan.
5Do not stop on your own:Skipping injections without a plan can allow permanent vision loss, so make changes with your retina specialist.
6Discuss breastfeeding separately:Ask specifically about nursing, since the guidance after delivery differs from the guidance during pregnancy.

Common questions

Can you take Aflibercept Injection while pregnant?

Aflibercept is usually avoided during pregnancy. It blocks VEGF, a protein needed for normal blood vessel growth in a developing fetus, and animal studies showed fetal harm. Injections into the eye use a small dose, but some drug still enters your bloodstream. The labeling advises effective contraception before the first dose, during treatment, and for at least 3 months after the last injection. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or become pregnant during treatment, tell your eye specialist and your pregnancy care provider promptly. They can compare your risk of vision loss against fetal risk and discuss alternatives such as laser treatment or careful monitoring until after delivery.

About this page. Written and maintained by the Pymander Health team. Last updated September 7, 2026.

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