Drug Detail:Beovu (Brolucizumab-dbll)
Generic Name: BROLUCIZUMAB 6mg in 0.05mL
Dosage Form: injection, solution
Drug Class: Anti-angiogenic ophthalmic agents
2.1 General Dosing Information
For ophthalmic intravitreal injection. BEOVU must be administered by a qualified physician.
BEOVU is available packaged as follows [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]:
- Pre-filled Syringe
- Vial kit with injection components (vial, filter needle)
2.2 Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
The recommended dose for BEOVU is 6 mg (0.05 mL of 120 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection monthly (approximately every 25 to 31 days) for the first three doses, followed by 6 mg (0.05 mL) by intravitreal injection once every 8 to 12 weeks.
2.3 Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
The recommended dose for BEOVU is 6 mg (0.05 mL of 120 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection every six weeks (approximately every 39-45 days) for the first five doses, followed by 6 mg (0.05 mL) by intravitreal injection once every 8-12 weeks.
2.4 Preparation for Administration – Pre-filled Syringe and Vial
Store BEOVU in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F); do not freeze. Keep BEOVU in the outer carton to protect from light. | |
Prior to use, the unopened glass vial or sealed blister pack of BEOVU may be kept at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) for up to 24 hours. After opening, proceed under aseptic conditions. | |
BEOVU is a clear to slightly opalescent and colorless to slightly brownish-yellow solution. | |
BEOVU should be inspected visually upon removal from the refrigerator and prior to administration. If particulates, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible, the BEOVU must not be used. |
Use aseptic technique for preparation of the intravitreal injection.
Pre-filled Syringe
The BEOVU pre-filled glass syringe is sterile and for single-use only. It should be inspected visually prior to administration. Do not use if the packaging, or pre-filled syringe are opened, damaged or expired [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)].
STEP 1: PREPARE Peel the lid off the blister package and, using aseptic technique, remove the sterile syringe. |
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STEP 2: SNAP OFF SYRINGE CAP Snap off the syringe cap and dispose of it (see Figure 1). Do not turn or twist the syringe cap. |
Figure 1: |
STEP 3: ATTACH INJECTION NEEDLE Aseptically and firmly assemble a 30-gauge x ½ inch sterile injection needle (not included) onto the Luer lock syringe. |
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STEP 4: DISLODGE AIR BUBBLES To check for air bubbles, hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. If there are any air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (see Figure 2). Carefully remove the needle cap by pulling it straight off. |
Figure 2: |
STEP 5: EXPEL AIR AND SET THE DOSE Hold the syringe at eye level and carefully push the plunger until the edge below the dome of the rubber stopper is aligned with the 0.05 mL dose mark (see Figure 3). This will expel the air and the excess liquid and set the dose to the 0.05 mL dose mark. The syringe is ready for the injection. |
Figure 3: |
Vial
The BEOVU vial kit includes the sterile glass vial and filter needle which are sterile and for single-use only. It should be inspected visually prior to administration. Do not use if the packaging, vial and/or filter needle are damaged or expired [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)].
STEP 1: Gather the supplies needed.
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STEP 2: Inspect the solution. If particulates, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible, discard the vial and obtain a new vial. |
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STEP 3: Remove the vial cap and clean the vial septum (e.g., with alcohol swab) (see Figure 4). |
Figure 4: |
STEP 4: Assemble the 5-micron filter needle (18-gauge x 1½ inch) onto a 1-mL syringe using aseptic technique. |
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STEP 5: Push the filter needle into the center of the vial septum until the needle touches the bottom of the vial. |
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STEP 6: To withdraw the liquid, hold the vial slightly inclined and slowly withdraw all the liquid from the vial and filter needle (see Figure 5). Ensure that the plunger rod is drawn sufficiently back when emptying the vial in order to completely empty the filter needle. |
Figure 5: |
STEP 7: Disconnect the filter needle from the syringe in an aseptic manner and dispose of it. The filter needle is not to be used for the intravitreal injection. |
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STEP 8: Aseptically and firmly assemble a 30-gauge x ½ inch injection needle onto the syringe. |
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STEP 9: Check for air bubbles by holding the syringe with the needle pointing up. If there are any air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (see Figure 6). |
Figure 6: |
STEP 10: Carefully expel the air from the syringe and adjust the dose to the 0.05 mL mark (see Figure 7). The syringe is ready for the injection. |
Figure 7: |
2.5 Injection Procedure
Ensure that the injection is given immediately after preparation of the dose.
The intravitreal injection procedure must be carried out under aseptic conditions, which includes the use of surgical hand disinfection, sterile gloves, a sterile drape and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent), and the availability of sterile paracentesis equipment (if required). Adequate anesthesia and a broad-spectrum topical microbicide to disinfect the periocular skin, eyelid, and ocular surface should be administered prior to the injection.
Inject slowly until the rubber stopper reaches the end of the syringe to deliver the volume of 0.05 mL. Confirm delivery of the full dose by checking that the rubber stopper has reached the end of the syringe barrel.
Immediately following the intravitreal injection, patients should be monitored for elevation in intraocular pressure (IOP). Appropriate monitoring may consist of a check for perfusion of the optic nerve head or tonometry. If required, a sterile paracentesis needle should be available.
Following intravitreal injection, patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment (e.g., eye pain, redness of the eye, photophobia, blurring of vision) without delay [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Each vial or pre-filled syringe should only be used for the treatment of a single eye. If the contralateral eye requires treatment, a new vial or pre-filled syringe should be used and the sterile field, syringe, gloves, drapes, eyelid speculum, filter, and injection needles should be changed before BEOVU is administered to the other eye.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.