Pegaptanib (Intraocular)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 9, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Macugen

Uses for pegaptanib

Pegaptanib is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a disorder of the retina of the eye that causes blurring of vision or blindness .

Pegaptanib is available only with your doctor's prescription .

Before using pegaptanib

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pegaptanib, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pegaptanib or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of pegaptanib in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of pegaptanib in the elderly .

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of pegaptanib. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Eye infection—Pegaptanib should NOT be used in patients with an infection in or around the eye .

• Glaucoma—Pegaptanib may increase eye pressure after injection. Your doctor will monitor your eye pressure during the week after every injection .

Proper use of pegaptanib

A doctor will give you pegaptanib. Pegaptanib is given through a shot into your eye. .