Frequently asked questions
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About age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy (GA)
AMD is a progressive disease that happens in 3 stages. GA is an advanced form of dry AMD.
Dry AMD
- A more common form of macular degeneration
- Characterized by gradual thinning of the macula due to aging
- A progressive disease that develops in 3 stages:
- Early stage
- Intermediate stage
- Advanced stage
Wet AMD
- A less common, late-stage form of AMD
- Typically leads to rapid vision loss
- It can develop from any stage of dry AMD but is considered advanced
- Occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, specifically at the macula
- Advanced stage of dry AMD
- Occurs when an overactive immune system causes retinal cell death in the eye, leading to patches of dead cells (lesions)
- As lesions grow, they move closer to the fovea, leading to severe vision loss when they reach the fovea
GA can progress unpredictably and often faster than you think. In as few as 2.5 years, GA can spread to the fovea, where vision is sharpest and clearest.*† In fact, 67% of people with GA in both eyes lost the ability to drive in 1.6 years.‡
Read more about GA progression*Median time since diagnosis in an analysis of 181 patients with GA.
†GA progression is different for everyone. Some people may experience slower or faster GA progression and changes in vision.
‡Analysis of EMR database in the United Kingdom, including 1901 patients with bilateral GA (GA in both eyes); 1.6 years represents the median (0.7-2.7 years).
About IZERVAY
IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is an FDA-approved prescription eye injection used to treat GA, the advanced form of dry AMD.
More about how IZERVAY worksIZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is FDA-approved to treat GA caused by dry AMD. Your doctor will assess your GA progression, as well as any other health considerations and determine if IZERVAY is right for you.
Do NOT receive IZERVAY if you:
- Have an infection in or around your eye
- Have active swelling in or around your eye that may include pain and redness
If you’ve been diagnosed with GA, you should begin treatment as early as possible to slow GA progression. This may help to preserve your vision longer. Even if your symptoms seem mild or you currently have no symptoms, GA may still be progressing. Your doctor will monitor your condition and recommend the best time to start treatment with IZERVAY.
Find out how to get startedIZERVAY slows GA progression by directly targeting C5, a key source of retinal cell death and loss of photoreceptors
More about how IZERVAY worksIZERVAY was well tolerated, with less than 2% of people stopping treatment due to side effects.
The most common side effects of IZERVAY are:
- Blood in the white of the eye
- Increase in eye pressure
- Blurred vision
- Wet AMD
These are not all the possible side effects of IZERVAY. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be experiencing side effects.
Please see full Important Safety Information for more information about IZERVAY.
More about common side effectsIZERVAY can only be prescribed and administered by your doctor during an in-office visit. It is not available in pharmacies.
If you don’t already have an eye care doctor who specializes in treating GA and has experience with IZERVAY, find a doctor in your area who does with our eye care office finder.
If you’d like to receive a personalized doctor discussion guide and unlock other helpful resources, sign up.
Getting treated with IZERVAY
IZERVAY is an eye injection given in office by your doctor.
Find out how to get startedThe best way to prepare for a treatment that's new to you is to talk to your provider and ask any questions you may have.
Remember that eye injections are a common medical procedure.
Here’s what you can expect:
Before
Your doctor will clean and numb your eye to help reduce discomfort.
During
The injection typically takes a few seconds. You may feel pressure in the eye, but there is usually little to no pain.
After
You may experience eye redness, blurry vision, or an increase in eye pressure.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-treatment care instructions and call them right away if you think you might be experiencing side effects.
Find out how to get startedIf you miss an IZERVAY injection, contact your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule and follow their instructions. Staying on treatment as recommended by your doctor is important to receive the full benefits of IZERVAY.
Find out how to get startedIZERVAY will not restore lost vision. It can help slow the progression of GA, which may help preserve your remaining vision for longer.
More about how IZERVAY worksBefore receiving IZERVAY, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions including if you:
- Have a history of seeing flashes of light or small specks floating in your vision and if you have a sudden increase of size and number of these specks
- Have high pressure in the eye or if you have glaucoma
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine
- Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicine you take
Please see full Important Safety Information for more information about IZERVAY.
Find out how to get startedPreparing for your IZERVAY appointment
After an IZERVAY injection, you may experience temporary changes in your vision. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision returns to normal and follow your doctor’s post-treatment instructions. Consider arranging for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
Find out how to get startedTrack any changes in your vision and check in with your doctor regularly. They are experts at monitoring GA progression and how IZERVAY is working for you. Make sure you schedule your next appointment for treatment before leaving your doctor’s office.
Find out how to get startedIZERVAY savings and support
Some insurance plans cover IZERVAY, but coverage varies by plan. Your doctor can help determine if IZERVAY is covered by your insurance, and help you find any other financial assistance for which you may be eligible.
More about savings and supportIf you need help with the cost of IZERVAY, the IZERVAY My WaySM program may be able to help.
Our patient support program is designed to meet the unique needs of eligible patients. Whether you have commercial insurance, insurance that doesn’t cover IZERVAY, are uninsured, or have government-issued insurance (such as Medicare), help may be available. Speak with your doctor to see if you are eligible for the IZERVAY financial assistance program or call 1-888-C5MYWAY (1-888-256-9929).
More about savings and supportFind out more about financial assistance, community support, and advocacy groups for people with GA.
Ready to talk to a retina specialist about your GA? You’ll receive a personalized doctor discussion guide and other helpful resources when you sign up.
INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is IZERVAYTM?
IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is a prescription eye injection, used to treat geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What is the most important information I should know about IZERVAY?
Do NOT receive IZERVAY if you:
- Have an infection in or around your eye
- Have active swelling in or around your eye that may include pain and redness
IZERVAY can cause serious side effects:
- Eye injections like the one for IZERVAY can cause an eye infection (endophthalmitis) or separation of layers of the retina (retinal detachment).
- Call your healthcare provider right away if you have redness of the eye, eye pain, increased discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or decreased vision, an increased number of small specks floating in your vision, flashes of light, or increased sensitivity to light.
- There is a risk of developing wet AMD with IZERVAY. You should report any symptoms (visual distortions such as straight lines seeming bent, deterioration in vision, dark spots, loss of central vision) to your healthcare provider to monitor.
- IZERVAY may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure after the injection. Your healthcare provider will monitor this after each injection.
Before receiving IZERVAY tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you:
- Have a history of seeing flashes of light or small specks floating in your vision and if you have a sudden increase of size and number of these specks.
- Have high pressure in the eye or if you have glaucoma.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
- Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicine you take.
What should I avoid while receiving IZERVAY?
- Your vision may be impaired after receiving an eye injection or after an eye exam. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision has recovered sufficiently.
What are the most common side effects of IZERVAY?
- Blood in the white of the eye
- Increase in eye pressure
- Blurred vision
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
These are not all the possible side effects of IZERVAY. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information for more information.
What is IZERVAYTM?
IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is a prescription eye injection, used to treat geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What is the most important information I should know about IZERVAY?
Do NOT receive IZERVAY if you:
- Have an infection in or around your eye
- Have active swelling in or around your eye that may include pain and redness
IZERVAY can cause serious side effects:
- Eye injections like the one for IZERVAY can cause an eye infection (endophthalmitis) or separation of layers of the retina (retinal detachment).
- Call your healthcare provider right away if you have redness of the eye, eye pain, increased discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or decreased vision, an increased number of small specks floating in your vision, flashes of light, or increased sensitivity to light.
- There is a risk of developing wet AMD with IZERVAY. You should report any symptoms (visual distortions such as straight lines seeming bent, deterioration in vision, dark spots, loss of central vision) to your healthcare provider to monitor.
- IZERVAY may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure after the injection. Your healthcare provider will monitor this after each injection.
Before receiving IZERVAY tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you:
- Have a history of seeing flashes of light or small specks floating in your vision and if you have a sudden increase of size and number of these specks.
- Have high pressure in the eye or if you have glaucoma.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
- Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicine you take.
What should I avoid while receiving IZERVAY?
- Your vision may be impaired after receiving an eye injection or after an eye exam. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision has recovered sufficiently.
What are the most common side effects of IZERVAY?
- Blood in the white of the eye
- Increase in eye pressure
- Blurred vision
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
These are not all the possible side effects of IZERVAY. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information for more information.