Do you have age-related vision loss, specifically Wet AMD, or Diabetic Macular Edema? If so, your eye specialist may have talked to you about a special injection that is given to the eye. One such injection is called Brolucizumab. Many people also know it by the brand name BEOVU. Some people may be a little scared when they hear that this is an injection that is given to the eye. But there is nothing to be afraid of. Let's talk about this treatment in simple terms, what it does, and what things to be careful about.
Simply put, what is this vaccine called Brolucizumab?
Brolucizumab is a drug that primarily treats two eye conditions that impair vision.
1. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Simply put, as we age, new, unwanted blood vessels begin to form in the sensitive layer of the retina of our eyes. These vessels can leak blood or fluid. This causes our central vision, which is what we see when we look straight ahead, to become blurry.
2. Diabetic Macular Edema: When diabetes is not well controlled, it damages the delicate blood vessels in the eye. This can cause fluid to leak out and cause the center of the retina to swell. This can also cause blurred vision.
So what does this vaccine do? It's very simple. What this Brolucizumab vaccine does is it stops the growth of those new, unwanted blood vessels that I mentioned earlier. It also reduces the leakage of fluid from those vessels. This helps control the progression of the disease and helps preserve as much of the vision as possible.
The important thing is that this is not a treatment that will completely cure the disease. But it will help a lot in stopping the disease from spreading rapidly and causing vision loss.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Since this is an eye treatment, it is very important that your doctor is aware of your complete health status. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you currently have an eye infection or inflammation: If this vaccine is given when you have an eye infection, the condition may worsen.
- If you have glaucoma: This vaccine may temporarily increase eye pressure, so if you have glaucoma, your doctor should be aware of it.
- If you have recently had eye surgery: It is essential to be aware of this as the eye is still healing after surgery.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: There is not yet enough data on whether this medicine will affect an unborn baby. Therefore, to be on the safe side, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
- If you have an allergic reaction to brolucizumab or any other medicine, food, or dye: This is very important. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any medicine in the past.
How is this vaccine given? Who gives it?
This is not like a regular shot. The Brolucizumab shot is injected directly into the eye. But don't worry. This is done by an ophthalmologist who has special training in this treatment. And it is done in a clean, germ-free environment in a hospital or clinic.
Before giving the injection, the doctor will clean your eye thoroughly and apply a numbing medication. This will prevent you from feeling any pain. You may feel a slight pressure, but that is normal.
What if I miss my vaccination date?
It is very important to get the dose on time for the treatment to be successful. Therefore, do not miss your doctor's appointment. If for some reason you are unable to go on the scheduled date, call your doctor or clinic immediately and reschedule.
Things to consider during treatment
- Vision changes: After the vaccine is given, your vision may temporarily become slightly blurry for a few hours or a day. This is normal. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision returns to normal.
- Other eye medications: Do not use any other eye drops or ointments without your doctor's advice.
- Regular check-ups: Throughout the course of this treatment, it is essential to have your eyes checked on the scheduled dates as prescribed by your doctor.
- Special advice for women: If you are a woman, it is essential to use a highly effective form of birth control while taking this treatment and for at least one month after receiving the final dose of the vaccine .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The table below lists possible side effects and what you should do if you experience them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate referral to your doctor or the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) | |
| Changes in the eye | New or worsening eye pain, redness, discharge, sensitivity to light, or sudden changes in vision after vaccination. |
| Severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding in the eye | Bloodshot eyes or black spots on the whites of the eyes. |
| Stroke symptoms | Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, severe headache. |
| Symptoms of a Heart Attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, fainting. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Temporary blurred vision | Blurred vision for a short time after the vaccine is given. |
| Tears flowing from the eyes | Slight tearing after vaccination. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
The most important thing is, if you notice any changes in your vision, pain, or redness in your eye after this injection, don't ignore it. It could be an emergency. Call your doctor right away.
Take-Home Message
- Brolucizumab is a special injection into the eye that is used to control vision loss caused by conditions such as Wet AMD and Diabetic Macular Edema.
- This vaccine is only given by a specialist in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor all your health information, especially eye diseases, allergies, and whether you are pregnant.
- If you experience eye pain, redness, or sudden changes in vision after receiving the vaccine, it is an emergency. Seek immediate medical attention.
- It is very important for results to receive treatment as scheduled, without missing the appointments given by the doctor.
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