Faricimab is an intravitreal injection used to treat certain serious eye conditions like Wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, and macular oedema after retinal vein occlusion.
| Drug class | Bispecific Biologic (Anti-VEGF + Anti-Ang2) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 6 mg / 0.05 mL |
| Common Indian brands | Vabysmo |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Faricimab is used for
Faricimab is a medicine specifically designed to treat serious eye conditions that affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. These conditions can lead to blurry vision or even vision loss if not managed properly.
- Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD): This is a common cause of vision loss in older adults. In Wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision) and leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula.
- Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO): A complication of diabetes, DMO occurs when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid into the macula, leading to swelling and blurred vision.
- Macular Oedema after Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): This condition happens when a vein in the retina gets blocked, leading to blood and fluid leaking into the macula, causing swelling and vision problems.
By treating these conditions, Faricimab aims to help preserve your vision and prevent further damage to your eyes.
How it works
Faricimab is a special type of medicine called a bispecific biologic. Think of it as a smart medicine that works on two important pathways in your eye at the same time. These pathways involve substances called VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2).
In conditions like Wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, and macular oedema after retinal vein occlusion, these substances can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak fluid inside your eye. This leakage leads to swelling (oedema) and damage to the macula, which is crucial for clear central vision.
Faricimab works by blocking both VEGF and Ang-2. By doing this, it helps to stabilise these leaky blood vessels for a longer period. This dual action helps to reduce fluid leakage, decrease swelling in the macula, and ultimately helps to protect your vision. Because it targets two pathways, it can offer a more sustained effect, potentially meaning fewer injections over time for many patients.
How it’s used
Faricimab is given as an injection directly into your eye. This procedure is called an intravitreal injection and is always performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting.
Typically, the treatment starts with 4 loading doses. These are initial injections given over a specific period to get the medicine working effectively in your eye. After these initial doses, your doctor will assess your eye condition and response to treatment. Based on this, the interval between injections can be extended, potentially allowing for treatments up to every 16 weeks (about every four months) for many patients.
The exact schedule of injections will be decided by your retina specialist based on your individual eye condition and how you respond to the treatment. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions for all your appointments and injections to ensure the best possible outcome for your vision.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Vabysmo
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis).
Precautions & side effects
Faricimab is a newer class of medicine and is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. While it offers the benefit of potentially fewer injections per year for many patients, which can significantly reduce the burden of frequent hospital visits, especially in India, it is important to be aware of certain precautions and warnings.
Important Warning: After any intravitreal injection, including Faricimab, it is crucial to monitor your eye closely. Seek medical help IMMEDIATELY if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Increasing pain in the eye
- Increasing redness of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- A noticeable drop or decrease in your vision
These symptoms can be signs of a serious infection inside the eye called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent medical attention to prevent severe vision loss. Do not delay in contacting your retina specialist or going to the nearest eye emergency department if you experience any of these signs.
Always discuss your complete medical history, including any allergies or other eye conditions, with your retina specialist before starting treatment with Faricimab. They will determine if this treatment is suitable for you.
Understanding Your Eye Condition
The conditions treated by Faricimab – Wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, and macular oedema after retinal vein occlusion – all affect the macula, a small but vital part of your retina. The retina is like the film in a camera, capturing light and sending images to your brain. The macula is responsible for your sharp, central vision, allowing you to read, recognise faces, and see fine details. When conditions like these cause fluid to leak into or under the macula, it leads to swelling (oedema) and can severely blur your central vision. This can make everyday tasks challenging and significantly impact your quality of life. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are key to managing these conditions and preserving your vision. Your retina specialist will conduct thorough examinations, including scans of your retina, to monitor the progress of your condition and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Living with a chronic eye condition can be challenging, but you are not alone. It’s important to maintain open communication with your doctor, ask questions, and follow their advice diligently. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to track your eye health and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Remember that managing these conditions is a partnership between you and your healthcare team.
General Eye Care and Hygiene
While Faricimab is given as an injection, maintaining good general eye hygiene is always important, especially when undergoing eye treatments. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the area around them. Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after an injection, as this can introduce germs or irritate the treated eye. If you use other eye drops for different conditions, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on when and how to use them in relation to your Faricimab injections. Store any prescribed eye drops or medications as directed by your pharmacist, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never share your eye medications with anyone else, and always check the expiry date before use.
Protecting your eyes from injury and excessive strain is also beneficial. If you spend a lot of time on digital screens, remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain. Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays when outdoors can also help protect your eyes from harmful sunlight. If you have diabetes, strict control of your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol is crucial for preventing and managing diabetic eye complications. For all patients, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can support overall eye health.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
After receiving an intravitreal injection like Faricimab, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort, redness, or a feeling of something in your eye for a day or two. However, it is vital to be aware of signs that could indicate a serious complication. As mentioned in the precautions, if you experience increasing pain, worsening redness, increased sensitivity to light, or a sudden and significant drop in your vision, you must contact your retina specialist or go to an eye emergency department immediately. These symptoms could indicate an infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis), which is a rare but serious complication that requires urgent treatment to save your vision. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment if you notice any of these warning signs. Prompt action is critical. Always keep your doctor’s contact information readily available, and ensure someone can assist you if you need to travel to the hospital urgently.
Frequently asked questions
What is Faricimab used for?
Faricimab is used to treat serious eye conditions such as Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), diabetic macular oedema (DMO), and macular oedema after retinal vein occlusion (RVO). These conditions can cause fluid leakage and swelling in the macula, leading to blurred vision or vision loss.
How does Faricimab work?
Faricimab is a unique medicine that works by blocking two pathways in the eye at once: VEGF and Angiopoietin-2. By blocking both, it helps to stabilise leaky blood vessels for a longer period, reducing fluid leakage and swelling in the macula, thereby helping to protect vision.
What are the common Indian brands for Faricimab?
In India, Faricimab is available under the brand name Vabysmo.
How is Faricimab administered?
Faricimab is given as an injection directly into the eye (an intravitreal injection) by a retina specialist in a hospital setting. It typically starts with 4 loading doses, and then the interval between injections can be extended up to every 16 weeks for many patients, based on the doctor's assessment.
Do I need a prescription for Faricimab?
Yes, Faricimab is a prescription-only medicine and is used exclusively in a hospital setting by a retina specialist.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of with Faricimab?
After receiving the injection, it is crucial to seek medical help IMMEDIATELY if you experience increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision. These could be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis) that requires urgent treatment.
References
- Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Faricimab in Age-Related Macular Degeneration—A Review – PMC
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.