VSIQQ

Indications

Brolucizumab is used to treat eye conditions that can damage central vision: neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration and visual loss due to diabetic macular oedema (swelling of the central retina caused by diabetes).

How It Works

Brolucizumab is a small antibody fragment that binds and blocks vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). VEGF-A drives the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels under the retina. By blocking it, Brolucizumab reduces fluid leakage and swelling and slows the growth of these vessels, helping to stabilise or improve vision. Its small size allows a high concentration in each injection, which can allow longer gaps between treatments.

Dosage and Administration

Brolucizumab 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 monthly injections for several doses, then the interval is extended (often every 8 to 12 weeks) based on examinations and scans. The exact dose and schedule are as prescribed by the ophthalmologist.

Interactions

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

Contraindications

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

Side Effects

Common side effects include reduced or blurred vision for a short time, bleeding on the white of the eye, eye pain, floaters, cataract and a temporary rise in eye pressure. Brolucizumab can cause inflammation inside the eye (intraocular inflammation), including retinal vasculitis (inflamed retinal blood vessels) and retinal vascular occlusion (blocked retinal blood vessels), which can lead to severe vision loss. Infection inside the eye and retinal detachment can also occur.

Get urgent medical help if, at any time after an injection, you have a sudden decrease or change in vision, increasing eye pain or redness, sensitivity to light, many new floaters or flashes, or a shadow or curtain over your vision.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Blocking VEGF 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 1 month after the last injection. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last injection.

Precautions and Warnings

• Report any new eye symptoms immediately, as inflammation and blocked vessels need urgent treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you have had eye inflammation or vessel blockage before; this raises the risk.
• Do not drive until your vision has returned to normal after the injection.
• Eye pressure is checked after each injection.

Overdose

Injecting a larger volume than intended can raise eye pressure. If this happens, the eye doctor will monitor and treat it straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic anti-VEGF agent; humanised single-chain antibody fragment.

Storage

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