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Common, Mild, and Severe Health Effects of Vabysmo Use

Vabysmo, a brand-name injectable drug, is commonly used for treating wet macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema (DME), macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and is administered directly into the back of the eye.

While Vabysmo is generally well-tolerated, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects. Common side effects include cataracts, eye irritation, vision changes, sensation of something in the eye, subconjunctival hemorrhage, increased tear production, eye floaters, itchy eyes, and watery eyes.

However, less common adverse effects, though rare, are more concerning. These include anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions, occlusive retinal vasculitis (a severe inflammatory condition affecting retinal blood vessels), and serious thromboembolic events like heart attacks or strokes. It's important to note that these effects may not have been fully captured in pre-approval clinical trials but have emerged from real-world usage and case reports.

In the case of an eye infection during Vabysmo treatment, serious complications such as permanent vision changes can occur. In such instances, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for treatment. A subconjunctival hemorrhage, a common side effect, occurs when a blood vessel in the eye breaks, causing blood to leak into the white part of the eye. This condition is usually not harmful and typically resolves within a few weeks.

If you experience a severe allergic reaction to Vabysmo, symptoms may include swelling or trouble breathing. In such cases, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. If you develop a side effect from Vabysmo and want to report it to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should exercise caution when considering Vabysmo, as there is a risk of fetal harm. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before receiving Vabysmo injections.

It's also crucial to discuss your health history with your doctor before starting Vabysmo treatment, especially regarding eye infection, allergic reaction, eye inflammation, increased risk of retinal vasculitis, increased risk factors of retinal vascular occlusion, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and alcohol consumption.

While there are no known interactions between Vabysmo and alcohol, if you have questions about drinking alcohol while receiving Vabysmo injections, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

For more detailed information about Vabysmo, see the Vabysmo overview article. If you have concerns about a red spot on the white of your eye, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice on reducing the risk of this side effect.

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