Beovu (brolucizumab)
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2024 | Last updated: June 2024
Beovu® (brolucizumab) is a prescription drug approved to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Beovu is a type of drug known as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.1
Beovu is given as an injection into the eye (intravitreal injection). The recommended treatment schedule for Beovu is one injection every 6 weeks for the first 5 doses, followed by 1 injection every 8 to 12 weeks. Your doctor will talk to you about what treatment schedule is right for you.1
What is anti-VEGF therapy?
In people without wet AMD, the VEGF protein promotes the growth of new blood vessels. In those with wet AMD, there is too much VEGF in the eye. This leads to an abnormal growth of weak, leaky blood vessels that affect vision.2
Blocking the VEGF protein reduces the growth of weak, leaky blood vessels in people with MD. This can slow the progression of MD. Anti-VEGF therapy like Beovu can block and reduce the production of VEGF and its effects.3
What are the ingredients in Beovu?
The active ingredient in Beovu is brolucizumab.1
How does Beovu work?
Beovu binds to VEGF, which helps slow blood vessel growth. It also helps stop the growth of new abnormal blood vessels and prevent weak, leaky blood vessels. This process helps to preserve your existing vision and slow the progression of wet AMD.1
What are the possible side effects of Beovu?
The most common side effects of Beovu include:1
- Blurry vision
- Cataracts
- Bursting of small blood vessels just beneath the clear surface of the eye (conjunctival hemorrhage)
- Eye pain
- Floaters
These are not all the possible side effects of Beovu. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Beovu. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Beovu.
Other things to know
Before starting treatment with Beovu, tell your doctor if you have an eye infection.1
Beovu may harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Beovu. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Beovu and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Beovu.1
Before beginning treatment for macular degeneration, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.