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Overview: Susvimo is a medicine to treat certain eye conditions involving unstable, leaky blood vessels in the eye, such as wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. You get this medicine from an implant that is placed in your eye and is refilled with medicine, usually about every six months. Common side effects include eye pain, eye redness, and bleeding in the eye. It is important to carefully follow all of the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider about Susvimo. Call your healthcare provider right away if you see flashing lights or a curtain or veil over part of your vision or get vision loss, light sensitivity, increased eye pain, eye discharge, eye watering, or a feeling that something is in your eye.

Uses

What is Susvimo used for?

Susvimo (ranibizumab) is commonly used for the following eye conditions.

Susvimo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Susvimo work (mechanism of action)?

Certain eye conditions, such as diabetic macular edema and wet age-related macular degeneration, happen when the small blood vessels in the eyes become unstable. These unstable blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the eyes, which can cause changes in vision and vision loss. 

Susvimo works by keeping active forms of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) from binding to cells. By blocking the activity of VEGF-A, Susvimo helps to stop leakage and growth of new, unstable blood vessels in the eye.

How is Susvimo supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Susvimo

Dosage forms and strengths

Susvimo is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Susvimo?

Susvimo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Susvimo?

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

  • Eye problems such as blood, redness, or other problems in the white part of your eye
  • Inflammation of the colored part of your eye (iritis)
  • Eye pain
  • Cataracts
  • Vitreous hemorrhage (see below)

There may be other side effects of Susvimo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 Susvimo?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Susvimo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Susvimo and 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye Infection. Implanting, refilling, or removing the Susvimo implant can cause an infection in your eye (endophthalmitis). This can be serious, leading to eye damage and possibly blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following.

  • Eye pain or redness
  • Changes in vision, including vision loss
  • Your eyes are sensitive to light

Vitreous Hemorrhage. Implanting, refilling, or removing the Susvimo implant may cause a vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding inside your eye). Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following.

  • Dark or moving spots
  • Shapes that look like spider webs in your vision
  • Haze or shadows
  • Floaters

Retinal Detachment. Implanting, refilling, or removing the Susvimo implant may cause a retinal detachment. This is when there is a tear or separation in the retina (the part of your eye that senses light). This is serious and needs surgery to fix it. Get emergency help if you notice any of the following.

  • Flashing lights
  • Vision loss or change in vision
  • Darkness or a “curtain” over your vision, including the middle or the sides

Other Eye Problems. Implanting, refilling, or removing the Susvimo implant can cause eye problems in your conjunctiva. This is the clear layer that covers the white part of your eye. These problems include erosions (holes), retraction (separation from the eye surface), or bumps (blebs). You may also have implant-related problems, such as implant damage or movement of the implant. These are serious and you may need medicine or surgery to fix them. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following.

  • Feel like you have something in your eye
  • Discharge from or watery eyes
  • You feel like the implant has moved or is in a different place
  • A bump or bulge over the whites of your eyes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Susvimo?

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

  • Susvimo
  • Ranibizumab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Susvimo products they stock.

Eye Infection. You should not use Susvimo if you have an infection in or around your eye. 

Eye Swelling. You should not use Susvimo if you have swelling or inflammation within your eye that may include pain or redness. 

What should I know about Susvimo before using it?

Susvimo is put inside your eye (implanted) by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Read and follow all instructions given to you after your procedure, including positioning, care, medicines, activities, and refills. 

Implanting, refilling, or removing the Susvimo implant may cause temporary vision problems. This is normal and can last for about two months. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect.

While the Susvimo implant is in your eye, avoid touching or rubbing your eye, if possible. If you need to touch your eye, wash your hands before doing so.

You should receive an MRI implant card after you first receive Susvimo. Keep this card in a safe place. It has information on it that you should share with all of your healthcare providers, especially if you ever need to have an MRI. 

You may need to wear a protective eye shield after you receive Susvimo. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you are allowed to remove the eye shield and your vision has returned.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Susvimo?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if Susvimo is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. You may need to stop certain medicines before Susvimo is implanted, refilled, or removed from your eye. Some medicines like the ones listed below may increase your risk for bleeding during these procedures. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about any medicines you may need to stop using when Susvimo is implanted, refilled, or removed.

  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • An antiplatelet medicine, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), aspirin/dipyridamole, or cilostazol, which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Susvimo could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while using Susvimo and for 12 months after your last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

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

How can I get more information about Susvimo?

For more information about Susvimo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.susvimo.com or call them at 800-821-8590.

Interactions

Does Susvimo interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Susvimo, but both implanting, refilling, or removing Susvimo and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Susvimo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Susvimo 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 Susvimo?

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

If you miss an appointment to get Susvimo, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.