Uses
What is Izervay used for?
Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) is commonly used to treat an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) called geographic atrophy (GA). GA is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss.
Izervay may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Izervay work (mechanism of action)?
Izervay blocks a protein that causes the immune system to attack certain cells in your eye.
How is Izervay supplied (dosage forms)?
Izervay is available in the following dosage form that is injected into the eye.
- 2 mg intravitreal solution
How should I store Izervay?
Izervay is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Izervay?
The most common side effects of Izervay are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Increased eye pressure (see below)
- Blood in the white part of the eye
- Blurred vision
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (see below)
There may be other side effects of Izervay that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Izervay?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Izervay are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Eye Infection. Injections in the eye can increase your risk of a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of an eye infection, such as eye pain, discomfort, redness, sensitivity to light, or vision changes.
Retinal Detachment. Injections in the eye can increase your risk of a retinal detachment. This is a serious condition that happens when the retina separates from the tissue around it. Retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a retinal detachment.
- Flashes of light
- Floaters in your vision
- Shadows in your vision
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Izervay may increase your risk of another type of age-related macular degeneration, called wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of wet age-related macular degeneration.
- Straight lines look bent
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Trouble seeing in low light
- Decreased central vision
- Dark spots in your vision
Increased Eye Pressure. Injections in the eye may cause a temporary increase in the pressure in your eye. Your healthcare provider will monitor your eye pressure after each injection.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Izervay?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Izervay.
- Izervay
- Avacincaptad pegol
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Izervay.
Eye Infection or Swelling. Do not get an Izervay injection if you have an infection or swelling in or around your eye.
What should I know about Izervay before using it?
You may have temporary changes in vision after the Izervay injection. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision returns to normal.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Izervay?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Izervay is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Glaucoma. Izervay may temporarily increase the pressure in your eye. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high pressure in the eye or if you have glaucoma.
Pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should receive Izervay while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Izervay passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should receive Izervay while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Izervay?
For more information about Izervay, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.Izervay.com or call them at 800-727-7003.
Interactions
Does Izervay interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Izervay and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between Izervay and alcohol.
Does Izervay interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Izervay and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Izervay?
If you or someone else has used too much Izervay, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Izervay?
Izervay is given by a healthcare provider once monthly. Schedule your next appointment before leaving your healthcare provider’s office to ensure you continue your treatment.