Uses
What is Vabysmo used for?
Vabysmo (faricimab) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- An eye condition caused by diabetes, called diabetic macular edema
- An eye condition that gets worse with age, called wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- An eye condition called macular edema that happens after a vein in the eye becomes blocked (retinal vein occlusion)
Vabysmo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Vabysmo work (mechanism of action)?
Certain eye conditions, such as macular edema and macular degeneration, happen when the small blood vessels in the eyes become unstable. These unstable blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the eyes, which can cause changes in vision and even vision loss.
Vabysmo works by blocking two substances in the eye, called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), from working. By blocking these substances, Vabysmo helps to make blood vessels more stable, so that they do not leak into the eye. It also stops new unstable blood vessels from forming.
How is Vabysmo supplied (dosage forms)?
Vabysmo is available as a 6 mg/0.05 mL (120 mg/mL) solution for intravitreal injection as a single-dose glass vial or pre-filled syringe that is injected into the eye.
How should I store Vabysmo?
Vabysmo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Vabysmo?
The most common side effects of Vabysmo are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Blood in the white part of your eye
- Cataracts
There may be other side effects of Vabysmo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Vabysmo?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Vabysmo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Vabysmo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Vabysmo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Eye and Retina Problems. Vabysmo can cause an infection in your eye (endophthalmitis) or cause separation of layers of the retina, which is part of your eye (retinal detachment). Vabysmo can also cause inflammation of the blood vessels in your retina (retinal vasculitis), or a blood vessel in your eye to become blocked (retinal vascular occlusion). Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms.
- Eye redness
- Light sensitivity
- Eye pain
- Any change in your vision including blurry vision, wavy/distorted vision, small specks floating in your vision, or flashing lights
Heart Attack and Stroke. Vabysmo can increase your risk for blood clots that can cause a heart attack, stroke, and death. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
- Sudden weakness on one side of your body
- Sudden and severe headache
- Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
Increased Pressure in the Eye. Vabysmo may increase the pressure inside the eye. Your healthcare provider will monitor you and the pressure in your eye after each injection.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Vabysmo?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Vabysmo.
- Faricimab
- Vabysmo
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vabysmo.
Eye Infection. Vabysmo should not be used by anyone who has an infection in the eye or around the eye.
Eye Swelling. Vabysmo should not be used by anyone who has swelling in the eye that may include pain or redness.
What should I know about Vabysmo before using it?
This medicine is injected into the eye by your healthcare provider. Your vision may change or become blurry right after receiving the injection. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision has fully recovered from the injection.
Severe side effects can occur from Vabysmo. Get care right away from your ophthalmologist if your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful or if you notice any change in your vision such as blurred vision, flashing lights, or distorted shapes.
If you are able to become pregnant, you should start using an effective form of birth control before your first dose of Vabysmo and continue using it until 3 months after your last dose of Vabysmo.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Vabysmo?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Vabysmo is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
- Eye infection
- Redness or swelling (inflammation) in the eye
Pregnancy. Vabysmo may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Vabysmo while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vabysmo passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Vabysmo while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Vabysmo?
For more information about Vabysmo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.vabysmo.com or call them at 888-835-2555.
Interactions
Does Vabysmo interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Vabysmo and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vabysmo.
Does Vabysmo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Vabysmo and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vabysmo?
If you or someone else has used too much Vabysmo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Vabysmo?
If you miss an appointment to get your Vabysmo dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.