Ziv-Aflibercept

The Basics

What is Ziv-Aflibercept?

Used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer.

Brand names for Ziv-Aflibercept

Zaltrap

How Ziv-Aflibercept is classified

Antineoplastic Agents, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Ziv-Aflibercept During Pregnancy

Ziv-Aflibercept pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Ziv-Aflibercept while pregnant

Based on findings from animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], ZALTRAP can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There is insufficient data in pregnant women exposed to ZALTRAP to assess the risks. Administration of ziv-aflibercept during the period of organogenesis was embryotoxic and teratogenic in rabbits at exposure levels approximately 0.3 times the human exposure at the 4 mg per kg dose (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Taking Ziv-Aflibercept While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ziv-Aflibercept?

This record refers to the use of ziv-aflibercept for treating cancer. No information is available on the use of ziv-aflibercept during breastfeeding. Because ziv-aflibercept is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 115,000, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. However, ziv-aflibercept is usually used in combination with other potentially toxic chemotherapy agents and most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy. The manufacturer recommends avoiding breastfeeding during ziv-aflibercept therapy.

Maternal / infant drug levels

This record refers to the use of ziv-aflibercept for treating cancer. No information is available on the use of ziv-aflibercept during breastfeeding. Because ziv-aflibercept is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 115,000, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. However, ziv-aflibercept is usually used in combination with other potentially toxic chemotherapy agents and most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy. The manufacturer recommends avoiding breastfeeding during ziv-aflibercept therapy.

Possible effects of Ziv-Aflibercept on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Ziv-Aflibercept

None listed