Faricimab is used to treat certain serious eye
conditions (such as wet age-related macular degeneration, macular edema).
It is used to help prevent decreased vision and blindness. Faricimab works
by slowing the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye and
decreasing leakage from these blood vessels.
This medication is prepared and 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 4 weeks for the first 4
doses, and then as determined by your doctor. For the best effect,
carefully follow your doctor's directions. Use this medication regularly to
get the most benefit from it.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets
worse.
Eye irritation or discomfort may occur. If either of
these effects lasts or gets 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
- 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, retinal
detachment, retinal vasculitis). Get medical help right away if you notice
any of these symptoms in the affected eye(s):
- pain
- redness
- sensitivity to light
- vision changes (such as blurred vision, loss of 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 faricimab, 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:
- current eye infection/swelling
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 faricimab. Faricimab
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while
using this medication and for 3 months 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 medication passes into breast
milk. 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.