Beovu (brolucizumab) is a medicine used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), a condition that affects the central part of your vision.

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration:

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula (the central area of the retina at the back of the eye). These vessels can leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and significant loss of central vision if left untreated. Wet AMD is the most severe form of AMD and a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50.

How it works:

Brolucizumab is an anti-VEGF medicine. It blocks a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which drives the growth of the abnormal blood vessels in wet AMD. By blocking VEGF, Beovu helps to stop the growth of these vessels, reduce leakage, and stabilise or improve central vision.

Beovu is given by your ophthalmologist (eye specialist) as an injection into the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside the eye). This is called an intravitreal injection. You will not inject Beovu yourself.

Before you start:

• Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take
• Let your doctor know if you have any eye infections, inflammation in or around the eye, or any history of retinal detachment
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

What to expect on injection day:

• Your eye will be cleaned and numbed with anaesthetic drops before the injection
• The injection itself takes only a few seconds
• You may see floaters or experience blurred vision immediately after. This usually settles within a day or two
• Arrange transport home after your appointment, as your vision may be temporarily affected

Beovu is given by a healthcare professional, so missing an injection means missing a clinic appointment.

If you need to reschedule:

• Contact your ophthalmologist's office as soon as possible to rebook
• Timely treatment is important to protect your vision. Try not to delay injections for long
  

If you are unsure what to do, contact your eye clinic or pharmacist.

Seek immediate medical attention by calling 000 or going to an emergency department if you notice any of the following after an injection:

• Sudden significant loss of vision
• Severe eye pain or increased discomfort
• Increased redness in the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Floaters that are new, significantly worsened, or very dense

These may be signs of a serious eye complication such as infection (endophthalmitis) or retinal detachment, which require urgent treatment.

Beovu is stored and prepared by your eye clinic or pharmacy.

However, if you are ever given the medicine to bring to your appointment:

• Store in the fridge at 2°C to 8°C
• Do not freeze
• Keep in the original packaging to protect from light
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Intravitreal injections carry some risks.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss these with you before treatment begins.

• Conjunctival haemorrhage (red eye): A small bleed on the surface of the eye at the injection site is common and usually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks
• Blurred vision or floaters: Temporary visual disturbances after injection are common and usually settle quickly
• Eye discomfort: Mild pain or irritation after the injection is normal
• Retinal vasculitis or occlusion: Beovu has been associated with a risk of inflammation of the blood vessels in the retina or blockage of those vessels in a small number of patients. This is a serious side effect. Contact your eye clinic immediately if you experience any sudden change in vision
• Increased eye pressure: Your ophthalmologist will monitor eye pressure after injections
• Infection (endophthalmitis): Very rare but serious. Seek immediate help if you develop severe pain, significant redness, or sudden vision loss after an injection
  

Tell your ophthalmologist about any changes in your vision or any discomfort that concerns you.

Because Beovu is injected directly into the eye, it has very limited interaction with medicines taken by mouth.

However:

• Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin, as these can affect how well the eye heals after injection
• Other eye drops or treatments: Tell your ophthalmologist about any other eye medicines you are using

Never start, stop, or change any medicine without speaking to your doctor first.

Will Beovu restore my vision?

The goal of Beovu is to stabilise your vision and prevent further loss. Some people do experience a degree of improvement in central vision, but this is not guaranteed. Starting treatment early gives the best chance of preserving the vision you have.

Is the injection painful?

Most people find the injection less uncomfortable than they expect. Your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops before the injection, so you may feel some pressure but not sharp pain. Some people experience mild discomfort or irritation for a day or two afterwards.

How long will I need treatment?

Wet AMD is a long-term condition, and treatment typically continues indefinitely. The good news is that as your condition stabilises, your doctor may be able to space out your injections over time, reducing how often you need to attend.

Ace provides accurate and independent information medically reviewed on prescription medications. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.