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Overview: Lytenava is used to treat an eye condition called wet age-related macular degeneration. It works by blocking a protein called VEGF that can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak fluid into the back of the eye. Common side effects include a red spot on the white part of the eye, eye pain, or floaters in your vision. Call your eye care specialist right away if you have eye redness, severe pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, flashing lights, or other vision changes.

Uses

What is Lytenava used for?

Lytenava (bevacizumab-vikg) is commonly used for an eye condition that gets worse with age, called wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

What to Know About Lytenava for Wet AMD

Lytenava may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Lytenava work (mechanism of action)?

Lytenava works by blocking a protein called VEGF. VEGF can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow under the retina, which is a layer of tissue in the back of the eye. These blood vessels can leak fluid, leading to swelling and damage that can affect your vision. By blocking VEGF, Lytenava may help reduce swelling and slow vision loss.

How is Lytenava supplied (dosage forms)?

Lytenava is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Lytenava?

Lytenava is usually given by a health care provider (eye specialist) in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Lytenava?

The most common side effects of Lytenava are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Lytenava 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 Lytenava?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Lytenava are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lytenava may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye and Retina Problems. Lytenava is injected into the eye by a health care provider who specializes in the eye and retina (a layer of tissue in the back of the eye). Medicines that are given this way can sometimes cause serious eye problems. These may include eye inflammation, an eye infection called endophthalmitis, or a detached retina. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they happen within days after receiving Lytenava.

  • Eye redness 
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sudden or intense eye pain
  • Blurred vision or changes in vision
  • Flashes of light
  • White or yellow discharge from the eyes
  • Puffy eyes

Increased Pressure in the Eye. Lytenava may briefly increase the pressure inside the eye. Your healthcare provider may check the pressure in your eye before and after each injection.

Heart Attack and Stroke. Lytenava can increase your risk for blood clots that can cause a heart attack, stroke, and death. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Lytenava?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Lytenava.

  • Bevacizumab
  • Lytenava
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lytenava.

 

Eye Infection or Swelling. Lytenava should not be used by anyone who has swelling (inflammation) or an infection in or around the eye. Before receiving Lytenava, tell your health care provider about any active or recent eye infections or symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or pain.

 

What should I know about Lytenava before using it?

Lytenava is injected into the eye by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist), usually at a hospital or clinic.

Your vision may change or become blurry right after each injection appointment. Plan to have someone help you get home after your appointment. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision fully recovers and you can see as well as you usually do.

Get care right away from your ophthalmologist if your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful or if you notice any change in your vision such as blurred vision or flashing lights.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Lytenava?

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 Lytenava is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Lytenava may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you should use Lytenava while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

If you are able to become pregnant, an effective form of birth control should be used during Lytenava treatment and for 3 months after your last dose. Ask your health care provider about birth control options.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Lytenava passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you should use Lytenava while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Lytenava?

For more information about Lytenava, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.lytenava.com or call them at 609-619-3990.

Interactions

Does Lytenava interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Lytenava and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lytenava.

Does Lytenava interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Lytenava 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.

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 Lytenava?

If you or someone else has used too much Lytenava, 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 Lytenava?

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