Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Brolucizumab Ophthalmic?
Brolucizumab is made from a human antibody fragment. It works by keeping new blood vessels from forming under the retina (a sensory membrane that lines the inside of the eye). In people with certain types of eye disorders, new blood vessels grow under the retina where they leak blood and fluid.
Brolucizumab ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat the "wet form" of age-related macular degeneration.
Brolucizumab ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use brolucizumab if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- inflammation inside your eye; or
- an infection in or around your eye.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- glaucoma;
- cataracts; or
- a stroke.
Do not use brolucizumab if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
Do not breastfeed while receiving this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
How should I use Brolucizumab Ophthalmic
Use Brolucizumab Ophthalmic (Intravitreal) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Brolucizumab is given as an injection into your eye. Your doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or other clinic setting.
For a short time after your injection, your eyes will be checked periodically to make sure the injection has not caused any side effects.
Brolucizumab is usually given once per month for 3 months, and then once every 8 to 12 weeks.
Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. The timing of your monthly injections is very important for this medication to be effective.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your brolucizumab injection.
Brolucizumab Ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- eye pain or redness, swelling around your eyes;
- discharge or bleeding from the eye;
- seeing "floaters" in your vision;
- increased sensitivity to light;
- decreased vision, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights; or
- sudden numbness or weakness, problems with speech or balance.
Common side effects may include:
- blurred vision, hazy vision;
- increased sensitivity to light;
- eye pain; or
- seeing floaters.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Brolucizumab Ophthalmic?
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.