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Syfovre

pegcetacoplan
Used for Macular Degeneration
Used for Macular Degeneration

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) is a medication used to treat a severe eye problem called geographic atrophy (GA) from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It's important to treat this condition because it can lead to permanent vision loss. Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) is given as an injection directly into the back of your eye by a healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 8, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageContraindicationsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)?

What is Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) used for?

  • Geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration

How Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) works

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) is a complement inhibitor. It works by attaching to certain proteins in your immune system called complement proteins. By attaching to these proteins, Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) prevents your immune system from causing inflammation and damage to the retina in your eyes. This helps to prevent worsening of age-related macular degeneration.

Are you looking for information on Empaveli (pegcetacoplan) for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSyfovre
Drug ClassComplement inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blurry vision, vision loss, seeing wavy or bent objects or blind spots with dark, light, or flashing spots
  • Eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge with blurry or decreased vision
  • Sensitivity to light

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)

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Pros

First and only treatment approved for GA

Slows the rate of worsening vision

Flexible dosing schedule; given every 25 to 60 days

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be given as an injection directly into the back of the eye, which might be uncomfortable

Needs to be given by a trained healthcare provider

Doesn't cure AMD

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)

pharmacist

  • Make sure to mark your appointments on your calendar to see your provider to receive your Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) doses. This helps make sure you're properly monitored and that you don't miss any of your doses.

    • Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) is only given at a clinic. It has to be injected into the eye by a healthcare provider with the proper supplies and technique.

      • Before your injection, you can expect to get some numbing medication to help with pain and antibiotics to prevent infection.

        • If you experience severe eye pain, redness, or worsening vision after receiving Syfovre (pegcetacoplan), contact your provider right away. You'll likely need to be examined for new or worsening eye problems.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)

          What is geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration?
          Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition where the macula (part of the retina in your eye) gets damaged as you get older. Damage (or lesions) in the macula can cause changes in your vision. Geographic atrophy is a severe form of AMD that could lead to permanent vision loss.
          How well does Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) work?
          In two clinical studies looking at how well the medication works, people with GA receiving Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) for 2 years had about a 20% slower rate of growth of lesions in the eye. These lesions are responsible for worsening vision in GA due to AMD. A slower rate of lesion growth in the eye could potentially slow GA progression and the worsening of vision.
          How exactly is Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) given?
          Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) is given by your healthcare provider as an intravitreal injection. This means it's injected directly into the back of the affected eye(s). But before injecting Syfovre (pegcetacoplan), your provider will give you anesthetic eye drops to numb your eye so you don't feel the injection. You'll typically receive the injection at your provider's office. You should make arrangements for transportation to and from your provider's office. You shouldn't drive yourself since intravitreal injections, like with Syfovre (pegcetacoplan), can cause temporary changes in your vision.
          How long do I have to take Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)?
          There isn't a specific amount of time that you'll need to take Syfovre (pegcetacoplan). Discuss with your provider about how long you need Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) injections in the eye. You'll likely continue the medication as long as you don't have new eye problems that come up and your eye condition or vision isn't worsening.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)?

          Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Eye infection and retinal damage

          Eye injections, like with Syfovre (pegcetacoplan), can lead to infection of the fluid inside the eyeball (a condition called endophthalmitis) or retinal detachment. These complications can cause poor vision or blindness. If you experience severe eye pain, redness, or worse vision after your injection, contact your provider right away.

          risk-warning

          Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

          • Risk factors: Receiving Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) once per month

            Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) can cause wet AMD. In clinical studies lasting 2 years, 12% of people receiving Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) once per month had developed wet AMD, while 7% of people receiving Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) every other month developed this complication. Your provider will check your eyes for wet AMD and give you treatment if needed.

            risk-warning

            High eye pressure

            Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) can cause high eye pressure within minutes of the injection. Your provider will check your eye pressure on a regular basis to make sure it doesn't go too high.

            dosage

            Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) dosage forms

            Typical dosing for Syfovre (pegcetacoplan)

            The typical dose is 15 mg injected directly into the affected eye(s) by a trained healthcare provider once every 25 to 60 days.

            contraindications-icon

            Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) will not be safe for you to take.

            • Active infection in or around the eye

            • Active eye inflammation

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            References

            Best studies we found

            American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2020). Retina.

            American Macular Degeneration Foundation. (n.d.). Geographic atrophy.

            American Society of Retina Specialists. (n.d.). Endophthalmitis.

            View All References (10)

            American Society of Retina Specialists. (n.d.). Intravitreal injections.

            Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (n.d.). Syfovre slowed progression through Month 241.

            Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). FDA approves Syfovre™ (pegcetacoplan injection) as the first and only treatment for geographic atrophy (GA), a leading cause of blindness. Globe Newswire.

            Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Syfovre- pegcetacoplan injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

            Boyer, D. S, et al. (2017). The pathophysiology of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration and the complement pathway as a therapeutic target. Retina.

            National Eye Institute. (2021). Treatments for wet AMD (advanced neovascular AMD).

            National Eye Institute. (2023). Vitreous detachment.

            Pugazhendhi, A., et al. (2021). Neovascular macular degeneration: A review of etiology, risk factors, and recent advances in research and therapy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

            Raj, S. M., et al. (2007). Post-operative capsular opacification: A review. International Journal of Biomedical Science.

            Roat, M. I., et al. (2022). Superficial punctate keratitis. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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