Brolucizumab is used to treat certain serious eye
conditions (wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema).
This medication can help preserve vision and prevent blindness.
Brolucizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as growth factor inhibitors.
It works by slowing the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye and
decreasing leakage from these blood vessels.
This medication is given by injection into the affected
eye(s) by a health care professional. The affected eye is numbed before
each injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor's office
for a while, and your eye(s) and vision will be monitored.
The treatment schedule is based on your medical
condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will give you regularly
scheduled injections, usually once a month or every 6 weeks for the first
few doses, then every 8 to 12 weeks.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Injection site pain, feeling as if something is in the
eye, or increased tears may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- floaters (blurry shapes that seem to float in front of your
eyes)
- swollen eyelids
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- shortness of breath
- unusual sweating
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- confusion
This medication may rarely increase your risk for
developing certain serious eye conditions (endophthalmitis or retinal
detachment). Get medical help right away if you notice any of these
symptoms in the affected eye(s):
- pain
- redness
- sensitivity to light
- blurred vision
- sudden change in vision
- decreased vision
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using brolucizumab, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
This drug may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it
safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using brolucizumab.
Brolucizumab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for at least 1 month after the last
dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the
risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for at least 1 month after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while
you are using this medication. Keep all medical appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor right away for a new dosing
schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.