A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Beovu (Brolucizumab) is a prescription medication used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Wet AMD is a leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 50. Beovu is an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy, which works by inhibiting the growth factors that lead to the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, thereby preventing further vision impairment and improving visual acuity.
This medication is administered by an ophthalmologist through an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the eye. Beovu offers the convenience of less frequent dosing after the initial loading phase, which can be beneficial for patients with busy schedules or who have difficulty visiting healthcare facilities frequently. Before you buy Beovu, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Beovu cost.
Fact Table | |
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Formula | C1564H2528N462O504S14 |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | Not applicable (intravitreal injection) |
Legal status | Prescription Drugs |
Chemical Name | Brolucizumab-dbll |
Elimination half-life | Approximately 4.4 days (ocular clearance) |
Dosage (Strength) | 6 mg/0.05 mL solution for injection |
Pregnancy | Consult healthcare provider |
Brands | Beovu |
Protein binding | Low (expected for monoclonal antibodies) |
PubChem CID | Not available |
MedlinePlus | Not listed |
ChEBI | Not listed |
ATC code | S01LA06 |
DrugBank | DB15008 (Brolucizumab) |
KEGG | D11208 (Brolucizumab) |
Routes of administration | Intravitreal injection |
Beovu is administered by a healthcare professional specializing in eye care. The typical dosing schedule involves:
Initial Phase: Three monthly injections.
Maintenance Phase: After the initial three doses, injections are given once every 8-12 weeks, depending on the individual's response and doctor's assessment.
Before each injection, the eye and surrounding areas are cleaned, and anesthetic drops may be applied to minimize discomfort. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure, as vision may be temporarily blurry or impaired.
Active Ingredient: Brolucizumab.
Monitor for signs of infection or eye inflammation. Any symptoms like eye pain, redness, or vision changes should be reported immediately.
Patients with a history of stroke or heart attacks should discuss the increased risk of similar problems when using VEGF inhibitors.
Not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women unless clearly needed, as its effects on fetal development or nursing infants are not fully understood.
Beovu may interact with other treatments and medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including:
Patients should also inform their doctors about any supplements or herbal products they are using, as these can also interact with Beovu.
While Beovu injection is effective in treating wet AMD, it can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
What is Beovu?
Beovu is a prescription medication used in the treatment of certain eye conditions. Its generic name is brolucizumab, and it is an injectable drug specifically designed to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What is Beovu used for?
Beovu is primarily used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), a chronic eye disorder that causes blurred vision or a blind spot in your visual field due to abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood into the macula.
How does Beovu work?
Beovu works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). VEGF-A is a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, which can leak and cause damage. By blocking VEGF-A, Beovu helps to reduce the growth of these abnormal blood vessels and decrease fluid leakage, thereby improving vision and reducing the progression of wet AMD.
What are the side effects of Beovu?
Common side effects of Beovu include:
Serious side effects can include inflammation inside the eye, retinal detachment, and infection inside the eye. Patients should report any severe or persistent symptoms to their healthcare provider.
What is the difference between Avastin and Beovu?
Both Avastin (bevacizumab) and Beovu (brolucizumab) are used to treat wet AMD, but they have different mechanisms and origins. Avastin is originally a cancer drug used off-label for eye conditions, while Beovu is specifically designed for ophthalmic use. Beovu has a longer duration of action, potentially requiring fewer injections compared to Avastin.
What class of drug is Beovu?
Beovu belongs to the class of drugs known as anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents. These drugs are used to inhibit the action of VEGF, which plays a key role in the formation of abnormal blood vessels in certain eye diseases.
What is the composition of Beovu?
Beovu contains the active ingredient brolucizumab. It is formulated as a solution for intravitreal injection (injection into the eye) and is typically provided in single-use vials.
What is the benefit of Beovu?
The primary benefit of Beovu is its ability to reduce the frequency of injections needed for wet AMD patients, due to its longer duration of action. This can improve patient compliance and convenience while maintaining effective control over the disease.
Is Beovu a biosimilar?
No, Beovu is not a biosimilar. It is a unique, specifically designed monoclonal antibody fragment that targets VEGF-A, different from other existing treatments.
Is Beovu FDA approved?
Yes, Beovu was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2019 for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).