Uses of undefined

Faricimab treats several eye conditions. It reduces fluid buildup in the retina caused by Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), improving vision. It also treats Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by stopping the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, which can lead to vision loss in older adults. Faricimab reduces macular oedema in Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), helping restore vision. Additionally, it addresses vision problems caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV) due to severe nearsightedness.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

For Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD), administer 6 mg (0.05 mL of 120 mg/mL solution) by intravitreal injection every 4 weeks for the first 4 doses. Afterwards, assess optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual acuity at weeks 8 and 12 to determine the dosing schedule. Adjust the regimen as needed, with possible intervals of weeks 28 and 44, weeks 24, 36, and 48, or weeks 20, 28, 36, and 44.

For Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), administer 6 mg every 4 weeks for at least 4 doses. If OCT shows resolution of oedema, adjust the dosing interval by up to 4 weeks or reduce it by up to 8 weeks. Please consult with a healthcare provider for personalised dosing adjustments.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

• Endophthalmitis and retinal detachments: Intravitreal injections of faricimab can cause serious eye infections or retinal detachment. Always use clean techniques when giving the injection. Instruct patients to report any symptoms of eye infection or retinal detachment immediately so you can provide quick treatment.
• Increase in intraocular pressure: The injection may cause a temporary rise in eye pressure. Regularly check the patient's eye pressure and manage it to protect the optic nerve.
• Thromboembolic events: VEGF inhibitors like faricimab can increase the risk of serious blood clots, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, or other vascular issues.

Precautions

After giving Faricimab, keep an eye on the patient's eye pressure and optic nerve health. Make sure to use sterile techniques during the injection to avoid infections or retinal problems. Even though blood clots were rare in studies, watch for signs of these events, especially during the first year of treatment.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Faricimab include: 

• Conjunctival hemorrhage
• Vitreous floaters
• Retinal pigment epithelial tear
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Eye pain
• Intraocular inflammation
• Eye irritation
• Ocular discomfort
• Vitreous haemorrhage

Serious side effects of Faricimab are:

• Corneal abrasion
• Eye pruritus
• Increased lacrimation
• Ocular hyperemia
• Blurred vision
• Eye irritation
• Sensation of foreign body in the eye
• Endophthalmitis
• Transient reduction in visual acuity
• Retinal tear
• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Word Of Advice

Your healthcare provider will guide you in using faricimab. They will decide the dosage and treatment schedule based on your condition and how you respond to the treatment. A trained professional will administer the injection in a healthcare setting to ensure safety and proper technique. Always consult your doctor before starting or adjusting your treatment and inform them of any changes in your health, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you are of reproductive potential.

Frequently Asked Question

• What is faricimab used for? 
• Faricimab treats eye conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, retinal vein occlusion, and myopic choroidal neovascularisation by targeting proteins that cause abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the eye.

• Is faricimab approved in India?
• Faricimab was first approved by the USFDA in January 2022 and is now available in over 90 countries, including India. More than 2 million doses have been administered globally.

• What are the risks of taking faricimab?
• The risks of taking faricimab include eye infections, retinal detachments, and temporary increases in eye pressure. It may also increase the risk of blood clots, leading to serious events like stroke or heart attack. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these risks during treatment.

• How many injections are needed for faricimab?
• The number of faricimab injections needed depends on the condition being treated and the patient's response. Initially, patients may receive injections every 4 weeks, with the frequency adjusted based on their progress and the healthcare provider's assessment.

• What type of drug is faricimab?
• Faricimab is a biologic drug, specifically a bispecific antibody. It targets and inhibits two proteins, VEGF-A and Ang-2, to treat eye conditions by reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage.