Lucentis (ranibizumab injection)
LUCENTIS (ranibizumab injection) – an biologic monoclonal antibody commonly used to treat certain eye conditions. Ranibizumab binds to the receptor binding site of active forms of VEGF-A, including the biologically active, cleaved form of this molecule, VEGF110. VEGF-A has been shown to cause neovascularization and leakage in models of ocular angiogenesis and vascular occlusion and is thought to contribute to pathophysiology of neovascular AMD, macular edema following RVO, and DME.
FDA approved uses: Lucentis is indicated for the treatment of patients with: Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD); Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion; Diabetic Macular Edema.
Available dosage forms: Single-use glass vial designed to provide 0.05 mL for intravitreal injections – 10 mg/mL solution (LUCENTIS 0.5 mg), 6 mg/mL solution (LUCENTIS 0.3 mg).
Usual dosage: The recommended dosages of Lucentis are: Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) -LUCENTIS 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) is recommended to be administered by intravitreal injection once a month (approximately 28 days). Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) – LUCENTIS 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) is recommended to be administered by intravitreal injection once a month (approximately 28 days). Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – LUCENTIS 0.3 mg (0.05 mL) is recommended to be administered by intravitreal injection once a month (approximately 28 days).
Contraindications: Lucentis (ranibizumab injection hydrochloride) is contraindicated in Ocular or periocular infections and with hypersensitivity to its components.
Special warnings: Endophthalmitis and retinal detachments may occur following intravitreal injections. Patients should be monitored following the injection. Increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) have been noted both pre- and post-intravitreal injection. There is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events following intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors. Fatal events occurred more frequently in DME patients treated monthly with LUCENTIS compared with control.
Adverse reactions (side effects) of these medications: The most common side effects ofLucentis include conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, vitreous floaters, and increased IOP. Other adverse events reported include vitreous floaters, intraocular inflammation, sensation of foreign body in the eyes, increased lacrimation, blepharitis, dry eye, visual disturbance or blurred vision, eye itching, ocular hyperemia, maculopathy. ocullar discomfort, cataract, injection site reactions, peripheral neuropathy and nasopharyngitis.
Common drug interactions: The manufacturer states that drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Lucentis.
Special instructions for patients: In the days following LUCENTIS administration, patients are at risk of developing endophthalmitis. If the eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, or develops a change in vision, the patient should seek immediate care from an ophthalmologist.
Full prescribing information may be found at the manufacturer‘s official website Lucentis.com or at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website at Lucentis Info at Drugs@FDA
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