Uses
What is Syfovre used for?
Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) is commonly used for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), which is the dry advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). People with geographic atrophy have damage to the central part of their retina called the macula, which can cause blurriness or blind spots in their vision.
Syfovre may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Syfovre work (mechanism of action)?
People with geographic atrophy have patches of damaged cells called lesions in their retina. Geographic atrophy cannot be cured, and damage cannot be reversed. Syfovre works by interfering with an overactive immune system that attacks healthy cells in the retina. Thus, Syfovre can slow down the progression of the disease.
How is Syfovre supplied (dosage forms)?
Syfovre is available in the following dosage form that is injected into the eye.
- 150 mg/mL solution for injection
How should I store Syfovre?
Syfovre is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Syfovre?
The most common side effects of Syfovre are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Eye discomfort
- A condition called wet age-related macular degeneration (see below)
- Small specks floating in your vision
- Blood in the white part of your eye
There may be other side effects of Syfovre 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 Syfovre?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Syfovre are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Syfovre may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Syfovre 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. Syfovre can cause an infection in your eye (endophthalmitis) or cause separation of layers of the retina, which is part of your eye (retinal detachment). Syfovre 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), as early as the first dose. Severe inflammation of the blood vessels in your retina may cause severe vision loss. Do not receive Syfovre and 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
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Syfovre may increase your risk for a condition called wet age-related macular degeneration, which can cause vision problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop changes in your vision including blurry vision, wavy/distorted vision, black spots in your vision, or a blind spot in the middle of your vision.
Inflammation of the Eye. Syfovre can cause inflammation in your eye, such as uveitis. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms.
- Eye redness
- Light sensitivity
- Eye pain
- Changes in your vision, including small specks floating in your vision
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Syfovre?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Syfovre.
- Syfovre
- Pegcetacoplan
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Syfovre.
Eye Infection. Syfovre should not be used if you have an infection in the eye or around the eye.
Eye Swelling. Syfovre should not be used if you have swelling in or around your eye that may include pain or redness.
What should I know about Syfovre before using it?
Severe side effects can occur from Syfovre. 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.
You may have temporary problems seeing after you receive your dose of Syfovre or after an eye exam from your healthcare provider. Do not drive or use machinery until your eyesight has recovered.
Use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy during treatment with Syfovre and for at least 40 days after your last dose.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Syfovre?
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 Syfovre is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Vision Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of seeing flashes of light or small specks floating in your vision and notice a sudden increase in the number and size of these specks.
Glaucoma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high pressure in your eye, also called glaucoma.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Syfovre could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Syfovre while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Syfovre 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 Syfovre while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Syfovre?
For more information about Syfovre, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at https://syfovre.com/ or call them at 833-866-3346.
Interactions
Does Syfovre interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Syfovre and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Syfovre.
Does Syfovre interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Syfovre 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 Syfovre?
If you or someone else has used too much Syfovre, 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 Syfovre?
Syfovre is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Syfovre as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Syfovre dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.