Izervay

Generic name: avacincaptad pegol
Dosage form: intravitreal injection
Drug class: Anti-angiogenic ophthalmic agents

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Apr 17, 2024.

What is Izervay?

Izervay injection is a treatment for geographic atrophy (GA), which is due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Izervay injection helps to slow down the progression of geographic atrophy so your vision does not deteriorate as rapidly, allowing you to maintain better vision for a longer time. Geographic atrophy can lead to irreversible vision loss. Izervay is given as an intravitreal injection; this is when medication is injected directly into the vitreous humor in the eye.

Izervay is the brand name for avacincaptad pegol.

Izervay received FDA approval on August 4, 2023, for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

How does Izervay work?

In geographic atrophy caused by AMD, damage and scarring that occurs in the central part of the retina may be caused by an overactive part of the immune system called the complement system. Izervay is a complement C5 protein inhibitor that blocks the activity of the complement protein C5. Izervay works by reducing the activity of the complement cascade that damages the retina, so it has the potential to slow down the progression of GA.

What are the side effects of Izervay?

Common Izervay side effects

The most common Izervay side effects include increased pressure inside the eye (9%), blurred vision (8%), bleeding in the white part of the eye (9%), and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (7%).

Serious Izervay side effects

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to the active ingredient avacincaptad pegol or any of its other ingredients; click here for a full list of Izervay ingredients.

Other serious Izervay side effects include:

signs of eye infection - swelling, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage;
severe eye redness or pain;
eyes being more sensitive to light;
blurred or cloudy vision; or
changes in your vision, seeing flashes of light.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before using this medicine

You should not use Izervay injection if you have ocular or periocular infections or active intraocular inflammation.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I receive Izervay?

Izervay injections are given by a qualified physician as intravitreal injections, which means the medication is injected directly into the vitreous humor in the eye. Your doctor will monitor the pressure inside your eye before and after the injection.

Before use, allow Izervay to reach room temperature, 20⁰C to 25⁰C (68⁰F to 77⁰F).

Izervay cost

The cost of this medicine may vary depending on your insurance plan. You may also be eligible for a financial assistance program.

Izervay Dosing information

Usual Adult Izervay Dose for Macular Degeneration:

Recommended dose: 2 mg intravitreal injection given once monthly (28 ± 7 days)

Duration of therapy: Up to 12 months.

Comments:
-Before the intravitreal injection, check the intraocular pressure (IOP).
-If necessary, ocular hypotensive medicine can be administered to reduce IOP.

Use: For the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Izervay injection is available: as a 2 mg (0.1 mL of 20 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Make an appointment or call your qualified physician as soon as you realize you have missed your dose to organize a new appointment,

What should I avoid with Izervay?

You may experience temporary visual disturbances and blurring, after having your injection and the associated eye examinations. Avoid driving or using machinery until the visual function has recovered sufficiently.

What other drugs will affect Izervay?

Other drugs may interact with this medicine. Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Izervay Package Insert

Review the Izervay Prescribing Information for more detailed information about this medicine. Discuss any medical questions with your doctor or other health care provider. This is not all the information you need about this medicine for safe and effective use, and it does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
Do not freeze. Do not shake.
Keep the vial in the original carton to protect it from light.

Before use

Prior to use, the unopened glass vial may be kept at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), for up to 24 hours.
Ensure that the injection is given immediately after preparation of the dose.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: avacincaptad pegol (oligonucleotide basis),

Inactive ingredients: 0.198 mg dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, 0.0256 mg monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate, and 0.83 mg sodium chloride. It is formulated in Water for Injection, with a target pH of 7.3. This medicine does not contain an anti-microbial preservative.