Geographic Atrophy
I was diagnosed with some Druzen about 8 yrs. ago, then Wet AMD in right eye, and Dry in the left eye. That progressed rather quickly to Wet in both eyes and I received 7 injections with Avastin which stabilized things until just recently.
My retinologist now says I have advanced dry AMD (GA) in both eyes which has not yet moved to the center of the eyes. If it does move, or before it moves, she wants to start Syfovre injections. Also she sees early glaucoma in both eyes (even tho my pressures are always low), which needs to be monitored.
I've resisted the Syfovre the last 2 visits as I can still drive some, sew, and read large print. She said the improvement rate is about 30% but, given the side effects, I'm not sure about starting the injections.
I'm wondering what other people have found with the Syfovre, or the newer drug, Iservay, which she did not mention. Do either really help and what about side effects?
I'm glad you asked this question, because it is one that many of us are facing now or will be in the future. I'm not at that stage yet, but many in this community are. I have heard some people say that their doctor won't use Syfovre because of the potential side effects. Some doctors seem to be waiting until they can use Izervay. I don't know if Izervay is available everywhere yet. Could you have a discussion with your specialist about Izervay before you have to make the decision? Wendy, Patient Leader. Thank you, Wendy. you are welcome. I hope the links Sharon has sent are helpful to you in making your decision with the doctor. Wendy, Patient Leader.
I have progressed to geographic atrophy. My retinal specialist would not start me on Syfovre because of side effects. He told me Izervay had less side effects. I am attaching links to both medications so you can read about both. I am so sorry you have the double whammy of wet macular degeneration and now GA. https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/news/second-geographic-atrophy-treatment-receives-fda-approval. https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/projects/syfovre-pegcetacoplan-treatment-geographic-atrophy-usa/. Good luck with your decision. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader
Thank you for those links. They are quite interesting. and I'd not seen them before. you are very welcome. Maybe it will help you have a conversation with your doctor. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader
Thank you for those links. They were quite interesting and gave a little more clarity.
I wanted to update you on my checkup. My GA had progressed significantly in 4 months. My doctor gave me the choice of Syfovre or Izervay. He said after hundreds of injections his patients had experienced no side effects from either medication. He did say Izervay was an easier injection with less pain. I chose Izervay and found the injection painless. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader I’m curious. Do you take the Izervay injections on a monthly basis? The frequency of the injections is one of the reasons my RS decided against that drug. Syfovre can be given monthly but she recommends bi-monthly because of the potential side effects. Regardless, from nothing to a choice of treatment is wonderful. And I believe our specialists have our best interest at heart. Good luck with your injections. Susie/Grandysue
my retinal specialist is giving me the injections every 60 days. He felt monthly was too often. I go next week just to check the eye after last months injection. I am thrilled we finally have a treatment for GA. I hope your injections work out well for you. Warmly, Sharon Moore patient leader
