Understanding Vabysmo: Mechanism of Action
Vabysmo (faricimab) is an intravitreal injection used to treat certain retinal diseases like wet age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular edema from retinal vein occlusion (RVO). It is a bispecific antibody that targets both vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). These proteins contribute to vision loss by causing leaky blood vessels and inflammation. By blocking both, Vabysmo helps stabilize blood vessels and reduce leakage.
Can Vabysmo Cause Heart Problems? The Risk of Arterial Thromboembolic Events
While Vabysmo is injected into the eye, it can have systemic effects, including potential cardiovascular issues. The drug affects factors important for blood vessel health throughout the body, though systemic exposure from the injection is low. The most significant, though uncommon, cardiovascular risk with Vabysmo and similar medications are arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs).
ATEs are serious events caused by blood clots and can be fatal. These may include:
- Nonfatal stroke
- Nonfatal myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Vascular death
Healthcare providers need to consider a patient's overall cardiovascular health when prescribing Vabysmo.
Clinical Trial Data on Cardiovascular Risks
Clinical trials for Vabysmo monitored the risk of ATEs. The incidence was low and often similar to the comparator drug, aflibercept. Here's a summary of ATE incidence in different studies:
| Condition Treated | Trial Duration | Vabysmo ATE Incidence | Active Comparator ATE Incidence (Aflibercept) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neovascular AMD | First Year | 1% (7 out of 664 patients) | 1% (6 out of 662 patients) | |
| Diabetic Macular Edema | Baseline to Week 100 | 5% (64 out of 1,262 patients) | 5% (32 out of 625 patients) | |
| Macular Edema (RVO) | First 6 Months | 1.1% (7 out of 641 patients) | 1.4% (9 out of 635 patients) |
The ATE rates were generally comparable between Vabysmo and aflibercept in these studies. These low rates still underscore the potential for serious events, especially in patients with existing cardiovascular risk factors.
Identifying Risk Factors and Symptoms
Certain conditions can increase the risk of cardiovascular events while on Vabysmo. These include:
- History of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
- Existing circulation issues
- Diabetes or high cholesterol
- Using medications that increase clotting risk
Patients with these factors should discuss them with their doctor.
It's also important to recognize the signs of a heart attack or stroke and get immediate medical help if they occur. Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain in arms, jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness or numbness in a limb
- Severe, sudden headache
- Slurred speech
- Sudden loss of coordination
Patient Monitoring and Management
Healthcare providers monitor patients for potential systemic cardiovascular events when using Vabysmo. This involves reviewing medical history for cardiovascular risks, educating patients about symptoms of heart attack or stroke, and conducting regular check-ups.
Conclusion
Can vabysmo cause heart problems? Yes, though the risk is low. Vabysmo can potentially increase the risk of serious arterial thromboembolic events like heart attacks and strokes. This risk is a known potential systemic side effect of VEGF inhibitors and appears similar to other treatments like Eylea. For many patients with serious retinal diseases, the visual benefits of Vabysmo outweigh this small but serious cardiovascular risk. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or other risk factors should discuss these with their doctor for appropriate monitoring and precautions. Understanding the risks and benefits is key to informed decision-decision. For comprehensive information, refer to the {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/difference-between-vabysmo-eylea-3571792/}.
