Pronunciation:
far-ik-i-mab
Trade Name(s)
Ther. Class.
ocular agents
Pharm. Class.
vascular endothelial growth factor antagonists
monoclonal antibodies
angiopoietin-2 inhibitors
Inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), preventing the binding of endogenous VEGF-A, resulting in decreased endothelial proliferation, vascular leakage, and new vessel formation. Also inhibits angiopoietin-2, which promote vascular stability and protects blood vessels from the effects of VEGF-A.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Decreased progression of visual loss.
Absorption: Intravitreal injection results in complete local bioavailability. Very low serum levels are achieved.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism and Excretion: Catabolized in lysosomes to small peptides and amino acids that are excreted renally.
Half-life: 7.5 days.
TIME/ACTION PROFILE
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intravitreal | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
CV: MI, STROKE
EENT: cataract, ↑ intraocular pressure, ↑ lacrimation, conjunctival hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, eye irritation, eye pain, intraocular inflammation, retinal detachment, retinal pigment epithelial tear, retinal vascular occlusion, retinal vasculitis, vitreous floater
Misc: hypersensitivity reactions
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
Drug-Drug
None reported
Neovascular (wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Intravitreal (Adults): 6 mg every 4 wk for four doses. Subsequent doses are individualized based on optical coherence tomography and visual acuity evaluations performed 8 and 12 wk later, and are administered as one of the following regimens: Every 8-wk regimen: 6 mg on Weeks 20, 28, 36, and 44; or Every 12-wk regimen: 6 mg on Weeks 24, 36, and 48; or Every 16-wk regimen: 6 mg on Weeks 28 and 44. Some patients may require dosing every 4 wk following the initial 4 doses.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Intravitreal (Adults): Administer one of the following regimens: Fixed interval regimen: 6 mg every 4 wk for six doses, followed by 6 mg every 8 wk; or Variable interval regimen: 6 mg every 4 wk for at least four doses, followed by 6 mg every 4–16 wk (based on optical coherence tomography and visual acuity evaluations).
Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion
Intravitreal (Adults): 6 mg every 4 wk for 6 mo.
Solution for intravitreal injection (vials and prefilled syringes): 120 mg/mL
For ophthalmic intravitreal injection only. Must be administered by a qualified physician. For prefilled syringe, keep refrigerated in original carton to protect from light. Prior to use, bring to room temperature. Solution is clear to opalescent and colorless to brown-yellow. May be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hr. Inspect visually and do not use if contains particulates, is cloudy or discolored, or if packaging, syringe or filter needle are damaged or expired. Using aseptic technique, hold syringe by white collar and snap off cap (do not twist). Firmly attach provided injection filter needle onto syringe Luer lock. Hold syringe with needle pointing up, gently tap syringe until any air bubbles rise, and then slowly push plunger to set dose at 0.05 mL. Injection should be given immediately after preparation. For glass vial with transfer filter needle, storage and solution information provided above for the prefilled syringe applies to the vial. . To ensure all liquid settles at the bottom of vial, place upright on a flat surface for about 1 min. Gently tap, as liquid may stick to the top of the vial. Push the included 18-gauge × 1½ inch transfer filter needle all the way into the vial; then tilt slightly so the needle touches the bottom edge. Hold vial slightly inclined and slowly withdraw all liquid. Replace transfer needle with a 30-gauge × ½ inch injection needle. Expel contents until plunger tip is aligned with line marking 0.05 mL on syringe. Use each prefilled syringe or vial for the treatment of a single eye. Do not freeze or shake prefilled syringe or vial.
Decreased progression of visual loss.