Vabysmo
Vabysmo (faricimab or faricimab-svoa) is a medication injected into the eye to treat certain eye conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Vabysmo (faricimab) can help to improve vision, but it must be given by an eye specialist monthly when you first start. Common side effects include cataract and bleeding in the whites of the eyes.
What is Vabysmo (faricimab)?
What is Vabysmo (faricimab) used for?
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
How Vabysmo (faricimab) works
Vabysmo (faricimab) is an injectable medication that blocks two proteins called vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2).
These proteins can cause abnormal growth of blood vessels and swelling in the eye, which can lead to possible vision loss. By blocking both of these proteins from working, Vabysmo (faricimab) helps reduce this abnormal growth and swelling.
Drug facts
Side effects of Vabysmo (faricimab)
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
Wet AMD:
- Blood on the whites of the eyes (7%)
- Cataract (3%)
- Eye floaters (3%)
- Eye pain (3%)
- Raised eye pressure (3%)
- Retinal tear (3%)
- Vitreous detachment (3%)
DME:
- Cataract (15%)
- Blood on the whites of the eyes (8%)
- Vitreous detachment (5%)
- Eye floaters (4%)
- Raised eye pressure (4%)
- Eye pain (3%)
Macular edema following RVO:
- Blood on the whites of the eyes (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
Wet AMD:
- Eye inflammation
- Eye irritation
- More tears in the eye
- Eye discomfort
DME:
- Eye inflammation
- Eye irritation
- More tears in the eye
- Eye discomfort
Macular edema following RVO:
- Vitreous detachment
- Eye floaters
- Raised eye pressure
- Eye inflammation
- Eye pain
- Cataract
- Eye discomfort
Vabysmo (faricimab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Eye infection or retinal detachment: eye redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes
- Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body; sudden confusion; trouble speaking, seeing, or walking; sudden severe headache
- Heart attack: chest pain or discomfort; weakness or lightheadedness; shortness of breath; pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms or shoulders
The following Vabysmo (faricimab) 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
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Blurry vision
- Eye irritation or itching
- Increased tears after use
Pros and cons of Vabysmo (faricimab)
Pros
- Can improve vision after the first injection
- Blocks two types of proteins that are both responsible for swelling in the eye
- Works well to treat some serious eye conditions
- After the first 4 or 6 months, treatment could be every 1 to 4 months
Cons
- Has to be given as an injection by a healthcare provider
- Risk of eye infection and injury with injection
- Might not be safe during pregnancy
- Can't be used at home
Pharmacist tips for Vabysmo (faricimab)
- Let your provider know before starting Vabysmo (faricimab) if you currently have an eye infection or swelling because this medication might not be right for you.
- Depending on your condition, your provider will create a treatment plan for you. Set reminders for your appointments, and contact your provider right away if you miss an injection appointment.
- You might experience temporary vision changes after your Vabysmo (faricimab) injection and any eye exams. Don't drive or operate any machinery until your vision returns to normal. Have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
- Vabysmo (faricimab) can raise your risk of eye infection or tear, so let your provider know right away if you experience any eye redness or pain, sensitivity to light, or changes to your vision.
- Make sure to use birth control during your Vabysmo (faricimab) treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose to prevent getting pregnant. This medication has the potential to harm an unborn baby.
- It's not known if Vabysmo (faricimab) passes into breast milk. Let your provider know if you're breastfeeding, and they can help you determine the best way to feed your baby during your treatment.
Common questions about Vabysmo (faricimab)
Although everyone responds differently to Vabysmo (faricimab), studies showed that the medication can start working to improve your vision after the first dose.
Depending on your condition, Vabysmo (faricimab) is given as monthly injections for the first 4 or 6 months. After that, your provider will decide how often you need to get Vabysmo (faricimab) and how long your treatment should be.
No, Vabysmo (faricimab) must be given by a trained eye specialist. You have to make an appointment to come into the provider's office or clinic for your injections. Everyone can have a different treatment plan, so discuss your specific dosing schedule with your provider so you can plan accordingly.
Before your injection of Vabysmo (faricimab), you'll be given local anesthesia (numbing medication) and an antibiotic. These medications can help ease the pain and prevent infection from the procedure. During the injection, you might feel some pressure in your eye. You'll then be monitored for a period of time after the injection to see if this medication has affected your eye pressure. Speak to your provider to see how long the process should take so you can plan accordingly.
There haven't been studies looking at Vabysmo (faricimab) in pregnant females. But there might be a potential risk to your unborn baby based on how Vabysmo (faricimab) works. You shouldn't get Vabysmo (faricimab) injections during pregnancy unless your provider has directed you to. Use birth control before, during your Vabysmo (faricimab) treatment, and for 3 months after your last dose to prevent getting pregnant during this time.
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Risks and warnings for Vabysmo (faricimab)
Vabysmo (faricimab) 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.
Eye infection or injury
Eye injections can raise the risk of certain eye problems, such as endophthalmitis (a bacterial or fungal infection inside the eye) and retinal detachments. Retinal detachment is when the retina (light-sensitive tissue in the back of your eye) is separated from its normal position. Your provider will take proper precautions and provide you with an antibiotic before your injection to lower the risk of contamination and infection. Let your provider know right away if you have any signs and symptoms of eye infection or injury, such as eye redness or pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes.
Raised eye pressure
Vabysmo (faricimab) can temporarily raise the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). This can happen within 1 hour of injection because there's more fluid in the eye. Your provider will monitor your eye pressure after your injection and provide treatment if needed.
Blood clots
Although very rare, there's a potential risk of blood clots with the use of Vabysmo (faricimab). These blood clots can lead to stroke or heart attacks. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs and symptoms of a blood clot. Stroke symptoms can include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body; sudden confusion; trouble speaking, seeing, or walking; or sudden severe headache. Heart attack symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort; feeling weak or lightheaded; shortness of breath; or pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms or shoulders.
Inflammation of the retina
Although rare, inflammation of the retina (retinal vasculitis) with or without blockage of blood flow can happen with Vabysmo (faricimab). Let your eye specialist know if you have any changes in your vision immediately.
Vabysmo (faricimab) dosage
Typical dosage for Vabysmo (faricimab)
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The typical dose is 6 mg injected into the eye every 4 weeks for the first 4 doses. Then, your provider will determine how many additional doses you need and how often you'll get them based on your eye exams.
- Diabetic macular edema (DME): The typical dose is 6 mg injected into the eye every 4 weeks for the first 4 or 6 doses. Then, your provider will determine how often you need to get your following doses based on your eye exams.
- Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO): The typical dose is 6 mg injected into the eye every 4 weeks for the first 4 to 6 doses. Then, your provider will determine how many additional doses you need and how often you'll get them based on your eye exams
Vabysmo (faricimab) 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 Vabysmo (faricimab) will not be safe for you to take.
- Infection in the eye, eyelid, or skin around the eye
- Eye inflammation (swelling)
What are alternatives to Vabysmo (faricimab)?
Conditions related to swelling or damage to the macula or retina (parts of the eye that are important for vision):
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