Beovu Vision Loss: What You Need to Know

Beovu injections for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) have been linked to significant Beovu side effects including vision loss, according to a recent study.

On Feb. 23, 2020, the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) warned its members about the vision-loss side effects of Beovu found in a postmarket study, according to Retina Specialist.

Between Beovu’s approval in October 2019 and the ASRS’s warning, 14 cases of vasculitis and an unspecified number of cases of mild to moderate intraocular inflammation were reported, the ASRS said.

What Is Beovu?

Beovu is an injection used to treat wet AMD. Beovu’s active ingredient is brolucizumab, a type of drug known as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.

Beovu is a relatively new drug, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2019 for the treatment of wet AMD, according to Novartis, the drug’s manufacturer.

VEGF causes blood vessels to form — and too much of it can lead to wet AMD, a chronic eye disorder that can cause blurred vision or a blind spot in the field of vision, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment of wet AMD can help reduce vision loss and, in some cases, even recover vision.

The Beovu injection is meant to fight back against these issues by keeping new blood vessels from forming under the retina.

Beovu Vision Loss Problems

There has been no Beovu recall, but there have been significant changes to the drug’s labeling. The FDA approved an update to the “Warnings and Precautions” section of the Beovu label in June 2020 to include these more serious risks, according to Global News Wire. The label update was initiated by Novartis in April.

Beovu may lead to a variety of vision loss problems, according to Drug Watch, including:

• Endophthalmitis: Inflammation in the whites of the eye, often from infection, which can lead to eye pain, redness, vision loss, and sensitivity to bright lights.
• Increased intraocular pressure: Increased intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve and can cause a patient’s vision to be permanently impacted. Increased intraocular pressure can reportedly be seen within half an hour of a Beovu injection, according to Drugs.com.
• Retinal detachment: This occurs when retinal cells detach from the layer of blood vessels underneath the retina. Deprived of the necessary oxygen and other nutrients provided by these blood vessels, the retina may suffer, leading to permanent vision loss, especially in cases that go untreated.
• Retinal vasculitis: This is another inflammation condition that affects the retinal blood vessels and can cause vision loss including blurred vision, visual floaters, and other visual distortions.
• Retinal vascular occlusion: This condition blocks the retina’s blood vessels, leading to vision problems like visual disturbances, loss of peripheral vision, and, in some cases, permanent vision loss.

Many of these conditions can carry a risk of vision loss or even permanent blindness.

According to recent results from Beovu safety trials, these complications are more likely to affect Beovu patients than patients taking other drugs. In one trial, 4.7% of patients experienced intraocular inflammation after taking the 3 mg dose of Beovu. In contrast, only 0.5% of Eylea patients experienced these complications during the trial. Beovu side effects have prompted the cancellation of three Beovu trials testing more frequent dosing.

Beovu Vision Loss Lawsuits

Novartis faces lawsuits from consumers who claim they were injured by Beovu side effects. The company also faces a lawsuit from a former employee who alleges that Novartis covered up Beovu safety data.

If you have suffered from Beovu vision loss, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Beovu complications, but it may help alleviate any incurred costs such as medical expenses and lost wages.

Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney by filling out the form on this page.

Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.