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Vabysmo

faricimab

Used for Macular Degeneration

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.

Reviewed by:

Yen Nguyen, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on October 13, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Contraindications Alternatives Latest news Prices Medicare

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

Common BrandsVabysmo

Drug ClassVEGF and Ang-2 inhibitor

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the 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%)

Other 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

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

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
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.

Frequently asked questions about Vabysmo (faricimab)

How long does Vabysmo (faricimab) take to work?

Although everyone responds differently to Vabysmo (faricimab), studies showed that the medication can start working to improve your vision after the first dose.

How long do I have to take Vabysmo (faricimab)?

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.

Can I use Vabysmo (faricimab) injections at home?

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.

What should I expect during my appointment for my Vabysmo (faricimab) injection?

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.

Can Vabysmo (faricimab) be given during pregnancy?

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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What are the 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 forms

Typical dosing 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.