Vabysmo

Indications

Faricimab is used to treat certain eye diseases that can cause loss of central vision: neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, visual loss due to diabetic macular oedema (swelling of the central retina in diabetes), and macular oedema caused by retinal vein occlusion (a blocked vein in the retina).

How It Works

Faricimab is a bispecific antibody, a laboratory-made protein that binds two targets at once: vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). Both of these drive the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels in the back of the eye. By blocking them, Faricimab reduces leakage, swelling and new vessel growth, which helps protect or improve vision. Blocking both targets may allow longer gaps between injections.

Dosage and Administration

Faricimab is given only by an eye specialist as an injection into the eye (intravitreal injection) under sterile conditions after numbing drops. Treatment usually starts with injections every 4 weeks for several doses, then the interval is extended (for example up to every 16 weeks) based on eye examinations and scans. The exact dose and schedule are as prescribed by the ophthalmologist.

Interactions

No formal interaction studies have been done, and interactions with medicines taken by mouth are unlikely because very little reaches the bloodstream. Tell your eye doctor about all medicines you use, especially blood thinners and other eye treatments.

Contraindications

• Active or suspected infection in or around the eye.
• Active severe inflammation inside the eye.
• Allergy to Faricimab or any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Common side effects include bleeding on the white of the eye at the injection site, eye pain, floaters, temporary blurred vision and a rise in eye pressure after the injection. Less common but serious effects include infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis), inflammation inside the eye, retinal tear or detachment, cataract, and rarely blockage of retinal blood vessels.

Get urgent medical help if, in the days after an injection, you have increasing eye pain or redness, a sudden drop or change in vision, sensitivity to light, many new floaters or flashes, or a curtain over part of your vision.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Faricimab blocks blood vessel growth, which could in theory harm an unborn baby. It should not be used in pregnancy unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last injection. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not drive until your vision has returned to normal after the injection.
• Eye pressure is checked after each injection.
• Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or have had a stroke or heart attack recently.
• Keep all follow-up appointments, as missed injections can lead to vision loss.

Overdose

Injecting more than the recommended volume can raise eye pressure. If this happens, the eye doctor will monitor and treat the pressure straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic anti-VEGF and anti-angiopoietin-2 bispecific antibody.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze, and keep the vial in the outer carton to protect from light. It is stored and prepared by the clinic as directed on the pack.