Vabysmo Side Effects: A Complete Guide for Patients (2025)

Vabysmo (faricimab-svoa) is a prescription medication administered by injection into the eye to treat several vision-threatening retinal conditions, including neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). By targeting two distinct pathways that cause leaky blood vessels in the eye, Vabysmo has helped many patients maintain and even improve their vision.

However, like any medication, it comes with potential side effects. Understanding these risks, from common and mild to rare and serious, is crucial for anyone considering or undergoing treatment. This comprehensive guide synthesizes information from the manufacturer, clinical trials, medical authorities, and patient experiences to provide a complete overview of Vabysmo side effects.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as your ophthalmologist or retina specialist, about your health conditions and treatment options.

Understanding the Most Common Side Effects of Vabysmo

The majority of side effects associated with Vabysmo are localized to the eye and are often a result of the injection procedure itself. Most are temporary and resolve within a few days. According to clinical data and the manufacturer, the most common side effects include:

• Conjunctival Hemorrhage: This is a small spot of blood on the white of the eye. While it can look alarming, it is typically harmless and resolves on its own within one to two weeks. This was one of the most frequently reported side effects in clinical trials.
• Cataract: Any injection into the eye can increase the risk of cataract formation over time. Studies report this as a common side effect, occurring in up to 15% of patients.
• Vitreous Floaters: Patients may see small specks or "floaters" drifting in their field of vision. This can be caused by the medication itself or tiny air bubbles from the injection and usually diminishes over time.
• Eye Pain, Irritation, or Discomfort: A feeling of soreness, itching, or the sensation of having something in the eye is common after an injection.
• Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP): A temporary spike in eye pressure can occur within 60 minutes of the injection. Your doctor will monitor this to ensure it returns to a safe level.
• Blurred Vision: Vision may be temporarily blurry immediately following the injection or an eye exam. It is advised not to drive or operate machinery until your vision has fully recovered.
• Watery Eyes (Increased Lacrimation): The eye may produce more tears than usual as a reaction to the injection.

A picture of an eye with a subconjunctival hemorrhage A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a common and typically harmless side effect of eye injections.

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While less common, Vabysmo is associated with serious side effects that require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent vision loss or other severe health complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away.

Ocular (Eye-Related) Complications

• Endophthalmitis: This is a severe infection inside the eye. Symptoms include increasing eye pain, redness, extreme sensitivity to light, and worsening vision.
• Retinal Detachment or Tear: This is a medical emergency where the retina pulls away from its normal position. Symptoms include a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or the appearance of a dark curtain or shadow in your vision.
• Retinal Vasculitis and/or Retinal Vascular Occlusion: This involves severe inflammation of the blood vessels in the retina, sometimes with a blockage (occlusion). It is a rare but serious adverse event that can lead to irreversible vision loss. Some case studies published in journals like JAMA Ophthalmology suggest this may be linked to an immune response, especially after repeated injections. You should report any change in vision to your doctor without delay.

Systemic (Body-Wide) Risks

Although Vabysmo is injected into the eye, it can have effects on the rest of the body.

• Thromboembolic Events (Blood Clots): Although not common, patients treated with Vabysmo have experienced serious, sometimes fatal, problems related to blood clots, such as heart attacks or strokes.
  • In clinical studies for wet AMD, 7 out of 664 patients (about 1%) reported such an event in the first year.
  • For DME, 64 out of 1,262 patients (about 5%) reported these events over a 100-week period.
  • Symptoms of a stroke or heart attack include sudden weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, chest pain, or trouble breathing. Seek emergency medical help immediately if these occur.

Severe Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, a person can have a serious allergic reaction to Vabysmo. Symptoms can include swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin rash, or dizziness. This is a medical emergency.

Patient-Reported Side Effects and Experiences

Beyond clinical trials, patients share their experiences in online forums and support groups. Some individuals have reported side effects such as dizziness or a burning sensation after receiving a Vabysmo injection.

While these firsthand accounts are valuable, it's essential to remember that they are anecdotal. You should always discuss any symptoms or concerns directly with your ophthalmologist. Your doctor can determine if the symptom is related to the medication, the injection procedure, or another underlying issue.

Long-Term and Cumulative Effects of Vabysmo Treatment

For many patients, treatment for conditions like wet AMD is a lifelong commitment. This raises important questions about the long-term safety of Vabysmo.

Data from the AVONELLE-X extension study, which followed patients for up to four years, reinforced the long-term efficacy and durability of Vabysmo. Genentech, the manufacturer, reported that the medication was well-tolerated with a consistent safety profile over this period.

Potential long-term side effects identified in studies include:

• Cataracts
• Persistent eye floaters
• Retinal detachment
• Blurred vision or vision loss

While serious events like stroke have occurred in patients during treatment, they are not considered typical long-term effects of the drug itself.

A Comparative Look: Vabysmo vs. Eylea Side Effects

Many patients are curious about how Vabysmo compares to other anti-VEGF treatments, particularly Eylea (aflibercept).

Feature	Vabysmo (faricimab)	Eylea (aflibercept)
Mechanism	Dual-action: Inhibits VEGF-A and Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) to reduce leakage and improve vessel stability.	Inhibits VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and PlGF to stop abnormal blood vessel growth.
Dosing Interval	Can be extended up to every 16 weeks for many patients after initial loading doses.	Typically administered every 8 to 12 weeks.
Safety Profile	Clinical trials show a comparable safety profile to Eylea. Common side effects are similar.	Similar safety profile, but with over a decade of real-world safety data.
Key Differentiator	Potential for fewer injections per year, reducing treatment burden.	Long-established track record of safety and efficacy.

The choice between these highly effective treatments depends on individual disease characteristics, patient preference, and a thorough discussion with your doctor about the benefits and risks of each.

A chart comparing Vabysmo and Eylea

Managing Side Effects and Important Precautions

Being proactive is key to managing potential side effects.

Before Starting Treatment

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, especially if you:

• Have an active infection in or around your eye.
• Have active swelling or inflammation in your eye (pain and redness).
• Are allergic to faricimab-svoa or any ingredients in Vabysmo.
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose.

After Your Injection

• Follow your doctor's post-injection care instructions carefully.
• Monitor your vision and report any changes, such as increased floaters, flashes of light, eye pain, redness, or decreased vision, to your doctor immediately.
• Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until your vision has recovered from the temporary blurriness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the biggest risks of Vabysmo? The most serious risks include severe eye infection (endophthalmitis), retinal detachment, retinal vasculitis (inflammation that can cause blindness), and systemic risks like blood clots leading to heart attack or stroke.

Can Vabysmo cause heart problems? Yes, though uncommon, Vabysmo can increase the risk of blood clots, which may cause a heart attack or stroke.

How long do Vabysmo side effects last? Most common side effects, like eye soreness or blurred vision, are temporary and last a few hours to a few days. More serious issues like cataracts or retinal detachment are long-term or permanent.

Is Vabysmo treatment lifelong? For chronic conditions like wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections are generally a lifelong, ongoing treatment to manage the disease and preserve vision.

References

• VABYSMO® (faricimab-svoa) Official Site
• Vabysmo Side Effects: Common, Mild, and Serious - Medical News Today
• Vabysmo (faricimab): Uses, Side Effects, Warnings - WebMD
• Vabysmo Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term - Drugs.com
• Vabysmo: Side effects and how to manage them - Healthline
• Updated warnings of faricimab (Vabysmo) retinal vasculitis risk - TGA Australia
• Real-World Evidence Links Faricimab to Rare Eye Adverse Effects - MedPage Today