Do you feel like your vision is gradually decreasing? Sometimes cataracts that develop with age can be the reason for this. But sometimes, vision can also be impaired due to certain diseases related to the retina inside the eye. There are very advanced methods to treat such conditions today. Brolucizumab is one such special drug that is injected directly into the eye. So let's talk about this simply today.
What exactly is this drug called Brolucizumab?
Simply put, Brolucizumab is a drug that stops the growth of abnormal, new blood vessels inside your eye that can interfere with your vision. It is specifically used to treat conditions called macular degeneration and macular edema .
Imagine, when these unwanted blood vessels form inside our eyes, they start leaking fluid. This fluid builds up and increases the pressure in the eye, blurring vision. The Brolucizumab injection works by controlling the growth of those unwanted blood vessels and reducing the leakage of fluid from them. This is a special treatment that belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies . This can help prevent your vision from getting worse.
Things you need to tell your doctor before getting this vaccine
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health condition. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.
- If you have any infection or inflammation in your eye.
- If you have glaucoma .
- If you have recently had eye surgery .
- If you have an allergic reaction to this Brolucizumab medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this treatment is right for you or not.
How can I give you this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take at home. Brolucizumab is a medicine that is injected directly into the eye . This treatment is only given by a team of doctors who have received special training in this field, in a hospital or clinic. So there is no need to worry about it.
The most important thing is that this medicine is prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you overdose?
This is given in a clinic, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have overdosed, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss the day to get the vaccine?
It is very important to get your vaccinations on time during this treatment. So do not miss your scheduled appointments. If for some emergency reason you are unable to attend on your scheduled appointment, please call your medical team immediately and let them know.
Things you should be especially careful about during treatment
You need to take a little extra care of your eyes and overall health while getting this vaccine.
- Regular eye exams: It's important to have your eyes checked at regular intervals, as recommended by your doctor. These tests will determine whether the treatment is working and whether any changes need to be made.
- Vision changes: If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, such as blurring or the appearance of black spots, tell your doctor immediately.
- Pregnancy and birth control: This is very important . You should avoid getting pregnant while taking this medication and for one month after stopping treatment. This medication can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby. Therefore, be sure to use a form of birth control such as a condom or diaphragm during this time. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Other medications: While taking this medication, do not use any other eye drops or eye medications without first asking your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like all medicines, Brolucizumab can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. The table below clearly explains these.
| The symptom you are feeling | Description |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Serious Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Eye pain or vision changes | New or increasing eye pain, redness, signs of infection, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, vision loss. |
| Symptoms of a Heart Attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, fainting. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision. |
| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor side effects | Watery eyes, mild pain, or slight blurred vision after the injection (these usually go away after a while) |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, please tell your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Brolucizumab is a special medicine that is injected directly into the eye. It is given by a team of specialist doctors in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking.
- It is very important to get vaccinations and eye exams on time.
- Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for one month after stopping. Be sure to use an appropriate form of birth control.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe eye pain, sudden changes in vision, or symptoms of a stroke or heart attack.
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