Izervay (Avacincaptad pegol): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

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Overview: Izervay is used to treat a specific eye condition. It is given by an eye health care provider as an injection into your eye. Common side effects can include blurry vision and bleeding in the white part of your eye. Serious side effects are less common but may include other eye problems. Tell your eye health care provider right away if you think you have an eye infection or start to see flashes of light, dark spots, floaters, or shadows. After you get an Izervay injection, wait until your vision returns to normal before driving.

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 health care provider.

How does Izervay work (mechanism of action)?

Izervay blocks a protein that causes the immune system to attack certain cells in your eye.

Learn more about How Izervay Treats Geographic Atrophy.

How is Izervay supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

Izervay

Dosage forms and strengths

2 mg intravitreal solution

How should I store Izervay?

Izervay is usually given by a health care 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 health care 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 health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 health care 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 health care 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 health care 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 health care 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.

Avacincaptad pegol
Izervay
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your health care 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 health care provider before using Izervay?

Tell your health care 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 know 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 health care provider if you have high pressure in the eye or if you have glaucoma.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know 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 health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive Izervay while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Izervay?

For more information about Izervay, you can visit the drugmaker’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 health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

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 usually given by a health care provider in a clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Izervay as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Izervay dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

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WRITER

Michelle Vermeulen, PharmD, is the director of drug content at WebMD. She provides editorial leadership for health care professional (HCP) and consumer drug content for the WebMD Health Network. She oversees a team of pharmacists, medical writers, and expert reviewers across the U.S. and globally.Dr. Vermeulen has extensive experience in drug information and clinical content creation for electronic and mobile delivery with significant expertise in drug interactions. She has written for multiple comprehensive drug references, providing clinical decision support for the past 2 decades.Dr.

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MEDICAL REVIEWER

Rachel Maynard, PharmD, has over 10 years of experience in community pharmacy practice and over 11 years of experience creating and overseeing the publication of high-quality drug information and educational resources for health care professionals and patients. Maynard completed her undergraduate degree in biology at Boston University and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Rhode Island. She then completed a postdoctoral community pharmacy practice residency.