As you get older or have diabetes, your eyesight sometimes gets a little weaker, doesn't it? You may also experience things like blurry vision and not being able to see things clearly. So, today we are talking about a special injection that is given to treat such conditions, which is injected into the eye. The name of this medicine is Faricimab.
What kind of medicine is Faricimab?
Simply put, this is a medication that is mainly used to treat two conditions that affect vision.
1. Wet age-related macular degeneration: This is a change that occurs in the retina of the eye as we age. This can lead to vision loss.
2. Diabetic macular edema: A condition in which vision is affected by swelling of the retina due to diabetes.
The main function of this vaccine is to control the progression of the disease and help maintain your current vision. However, we must remember that it cannot completely cure the disease.
The brand name of this medicine is Vabysmo. But you, doctor, can also tell me the name of the substance it contains, which is Faricimab.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a clear picture of your health. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- If you currently have an infection in your eye .
- If there is inflammation or redness in the eye.
- If you have glaucoma .
- If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine, to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. (This is very important!)
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is an injection that is injected directly into the eye. It is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a team of eye doctors who have been specially trained in this treatment.
Children may need special care when taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor for more information.
What if I get too much medicine?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in hospital. However, if you think you have taken too much of the medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to get the vaccine on time for this treatment. So, be sure to remember the date your doctor has given you and go on that day. If for some reason you are unable to go on the scheduled date, call your medical team immediately and let them know so they can schedule another appointment.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
A little care is required on your part when taking this medicine.
- Vision testing: Your doctor will check your vision regularly before and while you are taking this medicine.
- Vision changes: If you notice any changes in your vision after receiving the vaccine (e.g., blurring, floating black spots), notify your doctor immediately.
- Blurred vision: Your vision may be slightly blurred for a short time after the injection. You should definitely avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision returns to normal.
- Pregnancy (Very Important): This is especially important to remember. Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should use adequate birth control while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping the medicine. This is because it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. If you have any suspicion that you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
What side effects might I experience?
As with any medication, some people may experience side effects. Some should be reported immediately, while others are not as serious.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | What you feel |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding in the eye | Redness of vision or sudden decrease in vision. |
| Eye pain, redness, or other changes | New or increasing eye pain, redness, inflammation, tearing, or discharge. |
| Being sensitive to the outside | Difficulty looking at bright light (blue eyes). |
| Heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, sweating, fainting. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
|---|---|
| Excessive tears | Tearing of the eyes after vaccination. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything different or have any further questions, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Faricimab is a special injection that is injected into the eye to treat eye conditions caused by aging and diabetes.
- This controls the worsening of the disease and helps preserve vision, but does not completely cure the disease.
- It is imperative that you tell your doctor all your health information, especially allergies and whether you are pregnant, before treatment.
- It is very important to go to the clinic on the scheduled date to receive the vaccine. If you miss it, inform the doctor immediately.
- If you experience eye pain, redness, or changes in vision after the injection, seek medical advice immediately.
- Most importantly: Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for 3 months after stopping it.
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