Ranibizumab (Intraocular)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 8, 2022.
Warning: EndophthalmitisThe ranibizumab implant has been associated with a 3-fold higher rate of endophthalmitis than monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. Many of these events were associated with conjunctival retractions or erosions. Appropriate conjunctiva management and early detection with surgical repair of conjunctival retractions or erosions may reduce the risk of endophthalmitis. In clinical trials, 2% of patients receiving a ranibizumab implant experienced at least one episode of endophthalmitis .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Byooviz
- Lucentis
- Susvimo
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
- Implant
Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody Fragment
Uses for ranibizumab
Ranibizumab is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Susvimo™ is used in patients who have responded to at least 2 injections of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor. AMD is a disorder of the retina in the eye that causes blurring of vision or blindness. Ranibizumab works by changing the amount of blood that gets to the eye.
Ranibizumab is also used to treat myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV).
Ranibizumab is used to treat macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye) after retinal vein occlusion (a blood vessel in the eye is blocked). It is also used in diabetic patients who have diabetic macular edema (DME). Macular edema can cause loss of vision. Ranibizumab is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy (eye problem caused by diabetes).
Ranibizumab is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using ranibizumab
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 ranibizumab, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ranibizumab 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 ranibizumab in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ranibizumab 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. When you are receiving ranibizumab, it is especially important t..
