LOUISIANA SYFOVRE AND IZERVAY LAWYER

Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Helping Victims Harmed By Syfovre and Izervay Injections

If you or a loved one has suffered serious side effects after receiving an Izervay or Syfovre injection, you may be entitled to compensation. These two new drugs, used to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye conditions, have been linked to severe health complications, including vision loss, retinal detachment, and eye infections.

At the Greenwald Law Firm, our Shreveport personal injury lawyers are dedicated to advocating for victims in Northwest Louisiana and across the state who have been harmed by these dangerous drugs. To learn more about your potential Syfovre or Izervay lawsuit, contact our law office today by calling (318) 219-7867 or send a message online to schedule a free consultation.

What is Syfovre?

Syfovre (or pegcetacoplan) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA in early 2023 for the treatment of geographic atrophy, an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration that leads to the gradual loss of vision. It is an injectable drug that is designed to slow the condition’s progression.

How Does Syfovre Work?

A Syfovre eye injection works by targeting and inhibiting a specific protein called C3, which is involved in the immune system’s inflammatory process. This protein contributes to the degeneration of retinal cells in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

The goal of Syfovre is to help reduce inflammation and damage to the retina by slowing the progression of GA and preserving central vision. The Syfovre injection is typically administered every few months under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Syfovre Manufacturer

Syfovre is manufactured by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies that target the complement system to treat a range of serious diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy.

Syfovre Side Effects

Unfortunately, despite being marketed as a drug to treat vision loss and eye irritation, there are many reported side effects of Syfovre that completely contradict its purpose, leaving many patients worse off than they were before. Below are some of the common and serious side effects reported following Syfovre injection:

• Common Side Effects:
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness or irritation at the injection site
• Increased intraocular pressure (high pressure inside the eye)
• Conjunctival hemorrhage (eye bleeding)
• Blurred vision temporarily following the injection
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Vitreous floaters (small spots or shadows in vision)

• Serious Side Effects:
• Macular edema (swelling in the retina)
• Retinal vasculitis (inflammation of retinal blood vessels)
• Retinal vascular occlusion (blockage of the retina’s veins)
• Retinal artery occlusion (blockage of the retina’s arteries, potentially leading to an eye stroke)
• Retinal detachment or tear
• Intraocular inflammation (uveitis, iritis)
• Occlusive retinal vasculitis (blood flow through retinal vessels becomes blocked)
• Endophthalmitis and other eye infections
• Severe vision loss or worsening of vision

What is Izervay?

Izervay (or avacincaptad pegol) is another drug intended to treat geographic atrophy. Though it works slightly differently, Izervay also aims to help reduce retinal inflammation and protect the retina from further degeneration, slowing the progression of vision loss in patients with GA secondary to AMD. 

Izervay received FDA approval shortly after Syfovre in August of 2023.

How Does Izervay Work?

Izervay works by inhibiting complement factor C5, a crucial protein in the immune system’s complement pathway. The complement system is involved in inflammation and immune responses that, when overactive, can lead to damage in the retina, especially in conditions like AMD and GA. 

By blocking C5, Izervay is intended to help reduce this harmful inflammation, which can prevent further damage to the retinal cells. Like Syfovre, it is also administered through injections into the eye, usually on a regular basis and under the supervision of qualified physicians.

Izervay Manufacturer

Izervay is manufactured by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, the same company that produces Syfovre. Apellis is responsible for the development, marketing, and distribution of both of these drugs.

Izervay Side Effects

Reported side effects of Izervay include both common and serious reactions, many of which are related to its administration as an intravitreal (eye) injection and are similar to those of Syfovre. Below is a list of these side effects:

• Common Side Effects:
• Eye pain or discomfort at the injection site
• Blurred vision
• Bleeding of the eye
• Blepharitis (swelling around eyelashes)
• Vitreous floaters
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness, swelling, or inflammation around the injection site
• Increased intraocular pressure
• Serious Side Effects:
• Endophthalmitis (severe eye infection)
• Retinal detachment or tear
• Intraocular inflammation
• Accelerated cataract formation
• Macular edema (swelling in the retina)
• Significant vision loss or worsening of existing eye conditions

Izervay vs. Syfovre

Izervay and Syfovre are both injectable treatments used to treat geographic atrophy by regulating the overactivated part of the eye’s immune system, but they work through different mechanisms. While Izervay targets and inhibits complement factor C5, Syfovre works by inhibiting complement factor C3. 

Both medications aim to slow vision loss and preserve central vision, but their differing targets within the complement system may lead to variations in side effect profiles and treatment outcomes.

Why Are Lawsuits Being Filed Against Syfovre and Izervay?

Lawsuits are being filed against Syfovre and Izervay due to serious side effects and complications linked to their use, including vision-threatening conditions like retinal detachment, eye infections, and severe intraocular inflammation after the first injection or subsequent treatments. Patients and their families claim that the manufacturers of the two drugs, Apellis Pharmaceuticals, failed to adequately warn about the risks associated with their treatments. 

The American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) and its safety committee have expressed concerns about the commercial use of these two drugs, with their research having identified higher risks for adverse events in patients treated with Syfovre and Izervay. As a result, individuals who have suffered harm are taking legal action, arguing that the manufacturers did not sufficiently test the drugs or provide proper warnings, and are pursuing compensation for the damages incurred.

Who Is Eligible to File a Syfovre or Izervay Lawsuit?

To be eligible to file a lawsuit related to Syfovre or Izervay, you must meet specific criteria. First, you or a family member must have received an injection of Syfovre or Izervay, particularly for the treatment of geographic atrophy due to AMD. Those who experienced severe complications following their first Syfovre injection, first Izervay injection, or subsequent treatments may qualify for legal action.

The injuries eligible for a claim include, but are not limited to:

• Retinal vasculitis
• Retinal vascular occlusion
• Occlusive retinal vasculitis
• Occlusive vasculitis
• Retinal artery occlusion
• A stroke of the eye

For patients who received Syfovre injections, the injury must have occurred prior to December 2023 to meet the current eligibility requirements. 

If you or a loved one meet these conditions, we encourage you to reach out to an experienced Louisiana product liability lawyer at the Greenwald Law Firm to explore your options for seeking compensation. By taking legal action, you can also help hold Apellis Pharmaceuticals accountable for failing to adequately warn about the risks associated with these dangerous drugs.

How The Greenwald Law Firm Can Help Victims Across Louisiana

Whether you are considering a class action or an individual personal injury lawsuit, the Greenwald Law Firm can help you understand the differences between these approaches to determine the best course of action for your unique situation. Class action lawsuits are ideal for cases involving many individuals with similar claims, allowing for collective legal action, while individual lawsuits may be more appropriate for those who have suffered more severe or specific injuries. Regardless, our Shreveport attorneys will work with you to understand your circumstances and ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.

Led by attorney Joey Greenwald, we provide aggressive representation in all phases of the legal process, from investigations and evidence gathering to consultations with medical experts and representing our clients at trials. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for those who have been harmed by a medication that they trusted to help them. Whether through settlements or courtroom litigation, victims may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vision-related disability, and more. 

Contact Louisiana Syfovre and Izervay Lawyer Joey Greenwald at The Greenwald Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Syfovre or Izervay injections, the experienced Northwest Louisiana Syfovre and Izervay attorneys at The Greenwald Law Firm are here to help you explore your legal options and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

It is important to keep in mind the statute of limitations, as the time to file a lawsuit may be limited. Prompt action is crucial to ensure you have the opportunity to gather the necessary medical records and other evidence to support your claim, so don’t wait. Contact our firm at (318) 219-7867 or reach out online for a free consultation today.