Eylea HD Every 4 Weeks

What is Eylea HD?

Eylea HD (High Dose) is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy.  It is a more concentrated form of Eylea, a medication that has been approved for use and effectively used for many years.  Regular Eylea contains 2mg of medication per injection, whereas Eylea HD has 8mg of medication per injection.  The higher dose allows for prolonged treatment effect for many patients.  Currently, Eylea HD may be used no less than every 8 weeks after a loading dose.  This has caused problems for patients who are helped by Eylea HD, but cannot sustain a treatment schedule of 8 weeks because the drug effect wears off too soon.  

What is being done to expand the treatment schedule of Eylea HD?

A new drug trial has begun in order to gain FDA approval for the use of Eylea HD every 4 weeks.  The study will accept patients who are already being treated for diabetic macular edema or wet macular degeneration.  Prior to entering the study, patients must have had at least 3 medication injections within the past 5 months.  Eylea HD injections in the study begin as early as 4 weeks from the last pre-study injection and are continued monthly for 7 shots.  At that time, the eye is evaluated to extend the treatment to a longer time interval.  The study lasts about two years (96 weeks) and all costs of treatment are covered by the sponsor.     

How can I decide if the Eylea HD study is right for me?

Your doctor will help you to decide.  The diagnosis will be confirmed and the entry criteria will be checked.  If eligible, all details will be discussed prior to entry into the study.     

By Scott E. Pautler, MD

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For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email. We are unable to provide consultation for those living outside the state of Florida with the exception of limited one-time consultations with residents of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington.