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, 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 wks for four doses. Subsequent doses are individualized based on optical coherence tomography and visual acuity evaluations performed 8 and 12 weeks 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 wks following the initial 4 doses.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Intravitreal (Adults): Administer one of the following regimens: Fixed interval regimen: 6 mg every 4 wks for six doses, followed by 6 mg every 8 wks; or Variable interval regimen: 6 mg every 4 wks for at least four doses, followed by 6 mg every 4–16 wks (based on optical coherence tomography and visual acuity evaluations).
Solution for intravitreal injection: 120 mg/mL
For ophthalmic intravitreal injection only. Must be administered by a qualified physician. Allow vial to reach room temperature before use. May be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hrs. Keep vial in original carton to protect from light. Solution is clear to opalescent and colorless to brownish-yellow liquid solution; do not use solutions that are discolored or contain particulate matter. To ensure all liquid settles at the bottom of vial, place vial upright on a flat surface for about 1 minute after removal from packaging. Gently tap vial with finger, as liquid may stick to the top of the vial. Using the 18-gauge x 1½ inch transfer filter needle included in package, push transfer filter needle all the way in, then tilt the vial slightly so that the needle touches the bottom edge of the vial. Hold vial slightly inclined and slowly withdraw all the liquid from the vial. Replace transfer needle with a 30-gauge x ½ inch injection needle. Expel contents until plunger tip is aligned with line marking 0.05 mL on syringe. Use each vial for the treatment of a single eye. If contralateral eye requires treatment, use new vial and equipment. Refrigerate solution and protect from light; do not freeze.
Decreased progression of visual loss.