Faricimab is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (an eye disorder caused by abnormal blood vessels that form and grow at the back of the eye which can cause blindness), and diabetic macular oedema (a serious swelling in the retina of the eye as a complication of diabetes).
Faricimab is to be given by intravitreal injection (into the space in the back of the eye called the vitreous cavity).
Your eye doctor will administer the injection for you. Your doctor will also give you anaesthesia to prevent any pain you might have with the injection.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Faricimab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, schedule a new appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- eye infections
- eye inflammation
as Faricimab may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- poorly controlled glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- conditions that may increase the chance of a tear or detachment of one of the layers at the back of the eye (retinal pigment epithelial detachment or tear)
- high-risk rapidly developing diabetic retinopathy (diabetes complication that affects the eyes)
- active infections
It is important that you do not get pregnant while you are on Faricimab therapy. You must use proven birth control methods during and for at least 3 months after stopping the treatment.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Eye examinations may be done after each injection to check if there is an increase in pressure inside the eye.
- Regular monitoring of changes in vision may also be needed.
Faricimab may cause any of the following side effects: cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye), bleeding from small blood vessels in the outer layer (conjunctiva) or into the thick fluid (vitreous) that fills the centre of the eye, excessive tearing, eye pain, irritation or discomfort.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- eye pain or redness, blurred or loss of vision, increased sensitivity to light, increased number of small spots in your vision (eye floaters)
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Faricimab to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used. Protect from light.
May store unopened vial between 20-25°C for up to 24 hours before use.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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