Susvimo (ranibizumab, implante oftálmico)

Targeted Conditions

Susvimo is approved for the treatment of:

  • Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD)

This condition leads to rapid and severe vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina.

Off-Label Usage

Susvimo is sometimes studied for off-label use in:

  • Diabetic macular edema (DME)
  • Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)

However, its port delivery system is only FDA-approved for use in nAMD at this time.

Drug Classification Overview

Susvimo is a refillable port delivery system that delivers ranibizumab continuously into the eye over several months. It is a sustained-release, anti-VEGF therapy, offering a long-term alternative to monthly intravitreal injections. Ranibizumab works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), which contributes to abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in retinal diseases.

Manufacturer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada

USA: Genentech (Roche Group)

Mexico:
Roche México, S.A. de C.V.

Canada:
Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada)

Available Strengths and Dosage Forms – United States, Mexico, and Canada

Country Comparison – United States vs Mexico and Canada

Susvimo is approved in the U.S. and Canada, with availability through specialized distribution networks. Its distribution in Mexico is emerging and may be limited to hospital or specialty access settings. Canada and Mexico may offer significant savings, particularly for uninsured or underinsured U.S. patients.

Average Retail Price (Monthly Treatment) USA vs Mexico vs Canada

Canada: ~30–40% savings vs. U.S. retail pricing
Mexico: ~25–35% savings vs. U.S. retail pricing
(Savings may vary based on refill availability, controlled status, specialty handling, and limited inventory.)

Where to Buy USA

Susvimo is available through retina specialists and surgical ophthalmology centers with access to:

  • CVS Specialty
  • OptumRx
  • Accredo
  • Walgreens Specialty
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Select academic hospitals and retina care centers
  • Online mail-order specialty care pharmacies
  • Costco, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Albertsons, Publix, Target (via CVS Pharmacy)

Availability may vary depending on practice certification for Susvimo implantation.

Storage Requirements

  • Susvimo implant kits and refill materials must be stored under refrigerated conditions (2°C to 8°C / 36°F to 46°F). The medication should be protected from light and must not be frozen. Cold chain logistics are required throughout distribution.

Shipping from Canada

This medication is accessed through fully licensed Canadian pharmacies regulated by Health Canada. All pharmacies included in the MedicalMex network undergo a rigorous review and verification process to ensure compliance with national standards, patient safety, and medication authenticity.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Prescription verification and fulfillment coordination
  • Secure, compliant medication logistics
  • Access to licensed Canadian pharmacists
  • Access to our network of certified physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Case management, payment handling, and personalized boutique-level support
  • Cold chain shipping with next-generation temperature-monitored coolers, when required
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence programs

You are working directly with MedicalMex Inc., a U.S.-based company that helps eligible patients safely access affordable medications from Canada — with compliance and full-service concierge support at every step.

Buying from Mexico

This medication is also available through certified pharmacies in Mexico regulated by COFEPRIS (Mexico’s national health authority). All partners in the MedicalMex network must pass a rigorous review and certification process before being approved for patient access.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Transportation support to our affiliate clinic in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Prescription handling through licensed physicians within our certified network
  • Access to our network of accredited physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Travel coordination, including flights and/or hotel reservations when required
  • Travel insurance
  • Cold chain shipping with advanced temperature-monitored coolers, when applicable
  • Personalized, boutique-level service
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence support

You are working directly with MedicalMex Inc., a U.S.-based company that manages every detail — from medical and travel logistics to prescription compliance — providing secure, affordable access to life-saving medications from Mexico.

Key Benefits

  • Long-acting, refillable ocular implant for wet AMD
  • May reduce treatment burden with fewer interventions per year
  • Delivers ranibizumab continuously over 6 months or more
  • Helps stabilize and improve vision in eligible patients
  • FDA and Health Canada approved
  • Cold chain support ensures safe delivery from certified pharmacies

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Conjunctival hemorrhage
  • Eye pain
  • Dry eye
  • Vitreous floaters

Serious risks include:

  • Endophthalmitis (eye infection)
  • Hyphema (bleeding in the eye)
  • Retinal detachment
  • Implant dislocation or erosion
  • Increased intraocular pressure (IOP)

These events are typically managed by trained ophthalmic specialists, and patients must follow up regularly.

Warnings and Precautions

  • Only for use by trained retina specialists
  • Requires surgical implantation under sterile conditions
  • Risk of intraocular infection or implant complications
  • Not recommended during pregnancy unless essential
  • Careful follow-up is required to monitor for ocular adverse events
  • Not for patients allergic to ranibizumab or implant components

Alternative Medications (by Indication)

Intravitreal Injection Alternatives for nAMD:
Eylea (aflibercept)
Lucentis (ranibizumab, monthly injections)
Vabysmo (faricimab)
Avastin (off-label)

Susvimo offers an alternative to monthly injections by maintaining drug levels via a long-acting implant. Suitability should be discussed with a retina specialist.

Medication FAQs

Susvimo is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). It delivers ranibizumab continuously into the eye using a surgically implanted port.
Unlike traditional anti-VEGF injections given monthly, Susvimo releases medication continuously over several months, reducing the number of injections required.
Typically every 6 months, though your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring or adjustments based on your response.
Yes. The implant can be removed by a trained ophthalmic surgeon if needed.
Yes, but it carries surgical risks such as infection or retinal detachment. It must be implanted and monitored by specialists experienced with the system.
Yes. MedicalMex coordinates access through fully licensed providers in both countries. Cold chain and specialty handling are included.
In the U.S., it may be covered under Medicare Part B or commercial plans. We help uninsured patients access lower-cost options via Canada or Mexico.
Yes. A valid prescription is required to access Susvimo through MedicalMex. We can help coordinate this via our certified physician network.
Yes. Susvimo requires refrigerated handling. MedicalMex uses advanced, temperature-monitored coolers to maintain safety.
We offer travel support to Tijuana, Mexico, including flight, hotel, and clinical logistics assistance.
No. All clinical care is handled by licensed third-party providers. MedicalMex provides coordination, not medical advice.