Indications and usage▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PAVBLU is indicated for the treatment of: PAVBLU is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with: Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) ( 1.1 ) Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) ( 1.2 ) Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) ( 1.3 ) Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 1.2 Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) 1.3 Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) 1.4 Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
Dosage and administration▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The recommended dose for PAVBLU is 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection every 4 weeks (approximately every 28 days, monthly) for the first 3 months, followed by 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) via intravitreal injection once every 8 weeks (2 months). ( 2.2 ) Although PAVBLU may be dosed as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks (approximately every 25 days, monthly), additional efficacy was not demonstrated in most patients when aflibercept was dosed every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks. Some patients may need every 4 week (monthly) dosing after the first 12 weeks (3 months). ( 2.2 ) Although not as effective as the recommended every 8 week dosing regimen, patients may also be treated with one dose every 12 weeks after one year of effective therapy. Patients should be assessed regularly. ( 2.2 ) Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): The recommended dose for PAVBLU is 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection once every 4 weeks (approximately every 25 days, monthly). ( 2.3 ) Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): The recommended dose for PAVBLU is 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection every 4 weeks (approximately every 28 days, monthly) for the first 5 injections followed by 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) via intravitreal injection once every 8 weeks (2 months). ( 2.4 , 2.5 ) Although PAVBLU may be dosed as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks (approximately every 25 days, monthly), additional efficacy was not demonstrated in most patients when aflibercept was dosed every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks. Some patients may need every 4 week (monthly) dosing after the first 20 weeks (5 months). ( 2.4 , 2.5 ) 2.1 Important Injection Instructions For ophthalmic intravitreal injection. PAVBLU must only be administered by a qualified physician. Prefilled Syringe: A 30-gauge × ½-inch sterile injection needle is needed but not provided. Vial: A 5-micron sterile filter needle (18-gauge × 1½-inch), a 1-mL Luer lock syringe and a 30-gauge × ½-inch sterile injection needle are needed but not provided. PAVBLU is available packaged as follows: Prefilled Syringe Vial Only [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) ] . 2.2 Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) The recommended dose for PAVBLU is 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection every 4 weeks (approximately every 28 days, monthly) for the first 12 weeks (3 months), followed by 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) via intravitreal injection once every 8 weeks (2 months). Although PAVBLU may be dosed as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks (approximately every 25 days, monthly), additional efficacy was not demonstrated in most patients when aflibercept was dosed every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Some patients may need every 4 week (monthly) dosing after the first 12 weeks (3 months). Although not as effective as the recommended every 8 week dosing regimen, patients may also be treated with one dose every 12 weeks after one year of effective therapy. Patients should be assessed regularly. 2.3 Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) The recommended dose for PAVBLU is 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection once every 4 weeks (approximately every 25 days, monthly) [see Clinical Studies (14.2) , (14.3) ] . 2.4 Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) The recommended dose for PAVBLU is 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection every 4 weeks (approximately every 28 days, monthly) for the first 5 injections, followed by 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) via intravitreal injection once every 8 weeks (2 months). Although PAVBLU may be dosed as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks (approximately every 25 days, monthly), additional efficacy was not demonstrated in most patients when aflibercept was dosed every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . Some patients may need every 4 week (monthly) dosing after the first 20 weeks (5 months). 2.5 Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) The recommended dose for PAVBLU is 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection every 4 weeks (approximately every 28 days, monthly) for the first 5 injections, followed by 2 mg (0.05 mL of 40 mg/mL solution) via intravitreal injection once every 8 weeks (2 months). Although PAVBLU may be dosed as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks (approximately every 25 days, monthly), additional efficacy was not demonstrated in most patients when aflibercept was dosed every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14.5) ] . Some patients may need every 4 week (monthly) dosing after the first 20 weeks (5 months). 2.6 Preparation for Administration - Prefilled Syringe The PAVBLU prefilled plastic syringe is sterile and for one-time use in one eye only. The prefilled syringe should be inspected visually prior to administration. It is a clear to opalescent and colorless to slightly yellow solution. Do not use if particulates, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible, or if the package is open or damaged. The appearance of the syringe cap on the prefilled syringe may vary (for example, color and design). Do not use if any part of the prefilled syringe is damaged or if the syringe cap is detached from the Luer lock. The intravitreal injection should be performed with a 30-gauge × ½-inch injection needle (not provided). The prefilled syringe contains more than the recommended dose of 2 mg aflibercept-ayyh (equivalent to 50 microliters). The excess volume must be discarded prior to the administration. PREFILLED SYRINGE DESCRIPTION - Figure 1: Use aseptic technique to carry out the following steps: 1. PREPARE When ready to administer PAVBLU, open the carton and remove sterilized blister pack. Carefully peel open the sterilized blister pack ensuring the sterility of its contents. Keep the syringe in the sterile tray until you are ready for assembly. 2. REMOVE SYRINGE Using aseptic technique, remove the syringe from the sterilized blister pack. 3. TWIST OFF SYRINGE CAP Twist off (do not snap off) the syringe cap by holding the syringe in one hand and the syringe cap with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand (see Figure 2 ). Figure 2: 4. ATTACH NEEDLE Using aseptic technique, firmly twist a 30-gauge × ½-inch injection needle onto the Luer lock syringe tip (see Figure 3 ). Figure 3: Note: When ready to administer PAVBLU, remove the plastic needle shield from the needle. 5. DISLODGE AIR BUBBLES Holding the syringe with the needle pointing up, check the syringe for bubbles. If there are bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (see Figure 4 ). Figure 4: 6. EXPEL AIR AND SET THE DOSE To eliminate all bubbles and to expel excess drug, slowly depress the plunger rod to align the plunger dome edge (see Figure 5a ) with the black dosing line on the syringe (equivalent to 50 microliters) (see Figure 5b ). Figure 5a: Figure 5b: 7. The prefilled syringe is for one-time use in one eye only. After injection any unused product must be discarded. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5a Figure 5b 2.7 Preparation for Administration - Vial PAVBLU should be inspected visually prior to administration. It is a clear to opalescent and colorless to slightly yellow solution. If particulates, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible, the vial must not be used. The glass vial is for one-time use in one eye only. Use aseptic technique to carry out the following preparation steps: Prepare for intravitreal injection with the following medical devices for single use: a 5-micron sterile filter needle 18-gauge × 1½-inch (not provided) a 1-mL sterile Luer lock syringe with marking to measure 0.05 mL (not provided) a sterile injection needle 30-gauge × ½-inch (not provided) 1. Remove the protective plastic cap from the vial (see Figure 6 ). Figure 6: 2. Clean the top of the vial with an alcohol wipe (see Figure 7 ). Figure 7: 3. Remove the 18-gauge × 1½-inch, 5-micron, filter needle and the 1-mL syringe from their packaging. Attach the filter needle to the syringe by twisting it onto the Luer lock syringe tip (see Figure 8a and Figure 8b ). Figure 8a: Figure 8b: Note: When ready to withdraw PAVBLU, remove the plastic needle shield from the needle. 4. Push the filter needle into the center of the vial stopper until the needle is completely inserted into the vial and the tip touches the bottom or bottom edge of the vial. 5. Using aseptic technique withdraw all of the PAVBLU vial contents into the syringe, keeping the vial in an upright position, slightly inclined to ease complete withdrawal. To deter the introduction of air, ensure the bevel of the filter needle is submerged into the liquid. Continue to tilt the vial during withdrawal keeping the bevel of the filter needle submerged in the liquid (see Figure 9a and Figure 9b ). Figure 9a: Figure 9b: 6. Ensure that the plunger rod is drawn sufficiently back when emptying the vial in order to completely empty the filter needle. 7. Remove the filter needle from the syringe and properly dispose of the filter needle. Note: Filter needle is not to be used for intravitreal injection. 8. Remove the 30-gauge × ½-inch injection needle from its packaging and attach the injection needle to the syringe by firmly twisting the injection needle onto the Luer lock syringe tip (see Figure 10a and Figure 10b ). Figure 10a: Figure 10b: Note: When ready to administer PAVBLU, remove the plastic needle shield from the needle. 9. Holding the syringe with the needle pointing up, check the syringe for bubbles. If there are bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (see Figure 11 ). Figure 11: 10. To eliminate all of the bubbles and to expel excess drug, SLOWLY depress the plunger rod so that the plunger edge aligns with the line that marks 0.05 mL on the syringe (see Figure 12a and Figure 12b ). Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8a Figure 8b Figure 9a & 9b Figure 10a Figure 10b Figure 11 Figure 12a & 12b 2.8 Injection Procedure The intravitreal injection procedure should be carried out under controlled aseptic conditions, which include surgical hand disinfection and the use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent). Adequate anesthesia and a topical broad−spectrum microbicide should be given prior to the injection. Prefilled syringe: Inject by pressing the plunger carefully and with constant pressure. Do not apply additional pressure once the plunger has reached the bottom of the syringe. A small residual volume may remain in the syringe after a full dose has been injected. This is normal. Do not administer any residual solution observed in the syringe. Immediately following the intravitreal injection, patients should be monitored for elevation in intraocular pressure. Appropriate monitoring may consist of a check for perfusion of the optic nerve head or tonometry. If required, a sterile paracentesis needle should be available. Following intravitreal injection, patients and/or caregivers should be instructed to report any signs and/or symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment (e.g., eye pain, redness of the eye, photophobia, blurring of vision) without delay [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . Each sterile, prefilled syringe or vial should only be used for the treatment of a single eye. If the contralateral eye requires treatment, a new sterile, prefilled syringe or vial should be used and the sterile field, syringe, gloves, drapes, eyelid speculum, filter, and injection needles should be changed before PAVBLU is administered to the other eye. After injection, any unused product must be discarded.
Contraindications▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ocular or periocular infections ( 4.1 ) Active intraocular inflammation ( 4.2 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4.3 ) 4.1 Ocular or Periocular Infections PAVBLU is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections. 4.2 Active Intraocular Inflammation PAVBLU is contraindicated in patients with active intraocular inflammation. 4.3 Hypersensitivity PAVBLU is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to aflibercept or any of the excipients in PAVBLU. Hypersensitivity reactions may manifest as rash, pruritus, urticaria, severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, or severe intraocular inflammation.
Warnings and precautions▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Endophthalmitis, retinal detachments, and retinal vasculitis with or without occlusion may occur following intravitreal injections. Patients and/or caregivers should be instructed to report any signs and/or symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or retinal vasculitis without delay and should be managed appropriately. ( 5.1 ) Increases in intraocular pressure have been seen within 60 minutes of an intravitreal injection. ( 5.2 ) There is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events following intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Endophthalmitis, Retinal Detachments, and Retinal Vasculitis with or without Occlusion Intravitreal injections, including those with aflibercept products, have been associated with endophthalmitis and retinal detachments [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] and, more rarely, retinal vasculitis with or without occlusion [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Proper aseptic injection technique must always be used when administering PAVBLU. Patients and/or caregivers should be instructed to report any signs and/or symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or retinal vasculitis without delay and should be managed appropriately [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) and Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . 5.2 Increase in Intraocular Pressure Acute increases in intraocular pressure have been seen within 60 minutes of intravitreal injection, including with aflibercept products [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Sustained increases in intraocular pressure have also been reported after repeated intravitreal dosing with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. Intraocular pressure and the perfusion of the optic nerve head should be monitored and managed appropriately [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) ] . 5.4 Thromboembolic Events There is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) following intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors, including aflibercept products. ATEs are defined as nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or vascular death (including deaths of unknown cause). The incidence of reported thromboembolic events in wet AMD studies during the first year was 1.8% (32 out of 1824) in the combined group of patients treated with aflibercept compared with 1.5% (9 out of 595) in patients treated with ranibizumab; through 96 weeks, the incidence was 3.3% (60 out of 1824) in the aflibercept group compared with 3.2% (19 out of 595) in the ranibizumab group. The incidence in the DME studies from baseline to week 52 was 3.3% (19 out of 578) in the combined group of patients treated with aflibercept compared with 2.8% (8 out of 287) in the control group; from baseline to week 100, the incidence was 6.4% (37 out of 578) in the combined group of patients treated with aflibercept compared with 4.2% (12 out of 287) in the control group. There were no reported thromboembolic events in the patients treated with aflibercept in the first six months of the RVO studies.
Adverse reactions▾
6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following potentially serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4.3) ] Endophthalmitis, retinal detachments, and Retinal Vasculitis with or without Occlusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Increase in intraocular pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Thromboembolic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) reported in patients receiving aflibercept were conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataract, vitreous detachment, vitreous floaters, and intraocular pressure increased. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amgen Inc. at 1-800-77-AMGEN (1-800-772-6436) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical trials of the same or another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. A total of 2980 adult patients treated with aflibercept constituted the safety population in eight phase 3 studies. Among those, 2379 patients were treated with the recommended dose of 2 mg. Serious adverse reactions related to the injection procedure have occurred in <0.1% of intravitreal injections with aflibercept including endophthalmitis and retinal detachment. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) reported in patients receiving aflibercept were conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataract, vitreous detachment, vitreous floaters, and intraocular pressure increased. Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) The data described below reflect exposure to aflibercept in 1824 patients with wet AMD, including 1223 patients treated with the 2-mg dose, in 2 double-masked, controlled clinical studies (VIEW1 and VIEW2) for 24 months (with active control in year 1) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Safety data observed in the aflibercept group in a 52-week, double-masked, Phase 2 study were consistent with these results. Table 1. Most Common Adverse Reactions (≥1%) in Wet AMD Studies Adverse Reactions Baseline to Week 52 Baseline to Week 96 Aflibercept (N=1824) Active Control (ranibizumab) (N=595) Aflibercept (N=1824) Control (ranibizumab) (N=595) Conjunctival hemorrhage 25% 28% 27% 30% Eye pain 9% 9% 10% 10% Cataract 7% 7% 13% 10% Vitreous detachment 6% 6% 8% 8% Vitreous floaters 6% 7% 8% 10% Intraocular pressure increased 5% 7% 7% 11% Ocular hyperemia 4% 8% 5% 10% Corneal epithelium defect 4% 5% 5% 6% Detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium 3% 3% 5% 5% Injection site pain 3% 3% 3% 4% Foreign body sensation in eyes 3% 4% 4% 4% Lacrimation increased 3% 1% 4% 2% Vision blurred 2% 2% 4% 3% Intraocular inflammation 2% 3% 3% 4% Retinal pigment epithelium tear 2% 1% 2% 2% Injection site hemorrhage 1% 2% 2% 2% Eyelid edema 1% 2% 2% 3% Corneal edema 1% 1% 1% 1% Retinal detachment <1% <1% 1% 1% Less common serious adverse reactions reported in <1% of the patients treated with aflibercept were hypersensitivity, retinal tear, and endophthalmitis. Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) The data described below reflect 6 months exposure to aflibercept with a monthly 2 mg dose in 218 patients following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in 2 clinical studies (COPERNICUS and GALILEO) and 91 patients following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in one clinical study (VIBRANT) [see Clinical Studies (14.2) , (14.3) ] . Table 2. Most Common Adverse Reactions (≥1%) in RVO Studies Adverse Reactions CRVO BRVO Aflibercept (N=218) Control (N=142) Aflibercept (N=91) Control (N=92) Eye pain 13% 5% 4% 5% Conjunctival hemorrhage 12% 11% 20% 4% Intraocular pressure increased 8% 6% 2% 0% Corneal epithelium defect 5% 4% 2% 0% Vitreous floaters 5% 1% 1% 0% Ocular hyperemia 5% 3% 2% 2% Foreign body sensation in eyes 3% 5% 3% 0% Vitreous detachment 3% 4% 2% 0% Lacrimation increased 3% 4% 3% 0% Injection site pain 3% 1% 1% 0% Vision blurred 1% <1% 1% 1% Intraocular inflammation 1% 1% 0% 0% Cataract <1% 1% 5% 0% Eyelid edema <1% 1% 1% 0% Less common adverse reactions reported in <1% of the patients treated with aflibercept in the CRVO studies were corneal edema, retinal tear, hypersensitivity, and endophthalmitis. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) The data described below reflect exposure to aflibercept in 578 patients with DME treated with the 2-mg dose in 2 double-masked, controlled clinical studies (VIVID and VISTA) from baseline to week 52 and from baseline to week 100 [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . Table 3. Most Common Adverse Reactions (≥1%) in DME Studies Adverse Reactions Baseline to Week 52 Baseline to Week 100 Aflibercept (N=578) Control (N=287) Aflibercept (N=578) Control (N=287) Conjunctival hemorrhage 28% 17% 31% 21% Eye pain 9% 6% 11% 9% Cataract 8% 9% 19% 17% Vitreous floaters 6% 3% 8% 6% Corneal epithelium defect 5% 3% 7% 5% Intraocular pressure Increased 5% 3% 9% 5% Ocular hyperemia 5% 6% 5% 6% Vitreous detachment 3% 3% 8% 6% Foreign body sensation in eyes 3% 3% 3% 3% Lacrimation increased 3% 2% 4% 2% Vision blurred 2% 2% 3% 4% Intraocular inflammation 2% <1% 3% 1% Injection site pain 2% <1% 2% <1% Eyelid edema <1% 1% 2% 1% Less common adverse reactions reported in <1% of the patients treated with aflibercept were hypersensitivity, retinal detachment, retinal tear, corneal edema, and injection site hemorrhage. Safety data observed in 269 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) through week 52 in the PANORAMA trial were consistent with those seen in the phase 3 VIVID and VISTA trials (see Table 3 above). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of aflibercept. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Eye disorders: retinal vasculitis and occlusive retinal vasculitis related to intravitreal injection with aflibercept (reported at a rate of 0.6 and 0.2 per 1 million injections, respectively, based on postmarketing experience from November 2011 until November 2023).
Use in pregnancy▾
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Adequate and well-controlled studies with aflibercept have not been conducted in pregnant women. Aflibercept produced adverse embryofetal effects in rabbits, including external, visceral, and skeletal malformations. A fetal No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) was not identified. At the lowest dose shown to produce adverse embryofetal effects, systemic exposures (based on AUC for free aflibercept) were approximately 6 times higher than AUC values observed in humans after a single intravitreal treatment at the recommended clinical dose (see Data ) . Animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, and it is not known whether aflibercept can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Based on the anti-VEGF mechanism of action for aflibercept [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , treatment with aflibercept may pose a risk to human embryofetal development. PAVBLU should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In two embryofetal development studies, aflibercept produced adverse embryofetal effects when administered every three days during organogenesis to pregnant rabbits at intravenous doses ≥3 mg per kg, or every six days during organogenesis at subcutaneous doses ≥0.1 mg per kg. Adverse embryofetal effects included increased incidences of postimplantation loss and fetal malformations, including anasarca, umbilical hernia, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, cleft palate, ectrodactyly, intestinal atresia, spina bifida, encephalomeningocele, heart and major vessel defects, and skeletal malformations (fused vertebrae, sternebrae, and ribs; supernumerary vertebral arches and ribs; and incomplete ossification). The maternal No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) in these studies was 3 mg per kg. Aflibercept produced fetal malformations at all doses assessed in rabbits and the fetal NOAEL was not identified. At the lowest dose shown to produce adverse embryofetal effects in rabbits (0.1 mg per kg), systemic exposure (AUC) of free aflibercept was approximately 6 times higher than systemic exposure (AUC) observed in adult patients after a single intravitreal dose of 2 mg.
Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.