Names and pronunciation
(far′IK′i′mab) Vabysmo
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Drug reference
(far′IK′i′mab) Vabysmo
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Func. class.: Ophthalmic
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Chem. class.: Selective vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist
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ACTION: Binds to receptor-binding site of active forms of vascular endothe- lial growth factor A (VEGF-A), which causes angiogenesis and cell prolifera- tion
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USES: Age-related macular degenera- tion (neovascular) (wet), macular edema after retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic macular edema
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CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity, ocular infections Precautions: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, retinal detachment, increased intraocular pressure
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SIDE EFFECTS EENT: Blepharitis, cataract, conjuncti- val hemorrhage/hyperemia, detach- ment of retinal pigment epithelium, dry eye, irritation/pain in eye, visual impairment, vitreous floaters, ocular infection
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INTERACTIONS None known NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
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DOSAGE AND ROUTES Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) • Adult: INTRAVITREAL 6 mg every 4 wk (approximately every 28 +/− 7 days) for the first 4 doses, then perform optical coherence tomography and visual acuity evaluations 8 and 12 wk after the fourth dose. Based on the results of these evalu- ations, subsequent 6-mg intravitreal injections may be given using 1 of the following 3 regimens: (1) wk 28 and 44; (2) wk 24, 36, 48; or (3) wk 20, 28, 36, 44
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Available forms: Solution for injection 120 mg/mL
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Administer: • By ophthalmologist via intravitreal in- jection using adequate anesthesia • Gather supplies needed, kit containing APPENDIX A the faricimab single-use glass vial and single-use 5-micron blunt, 18-gauge × 1.5-inch transfer filter needle; sterile 1 mL Luer-Lok syringe with 0.05-mL dose mark; sterile 30-gauge × 0.5-inch injec- tion needle. Note: A 30-gauge needle is recommended to avoid increased injec- tion force; alcohol swab; remove from refrigerator, allow to come to room tem- perature
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Assess: • Eye changes: redness; sensitivity to light, vision change; increased intraocu- lar pressure change; report infection to ophthalmologist immediately, complete procedure with anesthesia and antibiotic prior to use, check perfusion of optic nerve after use • Hypersensitivity: monitor for inflam- mation
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Evaluate: • Therapeutic response: prevention of increasing macular degeneration
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Patient and caregiver information: • If eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, or if there is a change in vision, to seek immediate care from ophthalmolo- gist • About reason for treatment, expected results; that product is injected into the eye, an anesthetic will be used HIGH ALERT
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PHARMACOKINETICS Elimination half-life 7.5 days, peak 2 days
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• Adult: INTRAVITREAL 6 mg every 4 wk (approximately every 28 +/− 7 days) for the first 4 doses, then perform optical coherence tomography and visual acuity evaluations 8 and 12 wk after the fourth dose. Based on the results of these evalu- ations, subsequent 6-mg intravitreal injections may be given using 1 of the following 3 regimens: (1) wk 28 and 44; (2) wk 24, 36, 48; or (3) wk 20, 28, 36, 44
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