Ranibizumab (ophthalmic)
Generic name: ranibizumab (ophthalmic) [ ra-NIB-i-ZUE-mab-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Lucentis, Susvimo Implant Kit, Susvimo
Dosage form: intravitreal solution (10 mg/mL; 6 mg/mL)
Drug class:Anti-angiogenic ophthalmic agents
What is ranibizumab?
Ranibizumab is made from a human antibody fragment. It works by keeping new blood vessels from forming under the retina (a sensory membrane that lines the inside of the eye). In people with certain types of eye disorders, new blood vessels grow under the retina where they leak blood and fluid.
Ranibizumab ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat the "wet form" of age-related macular degeneration. Ranibizumab is also used to treat swelling in the retina caused by diabetes or by a blockage in the blood vessels.
Ranibizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not receive ranibizumab if you are allergic to it, or if you have any type of infection in or around your eyes.
Call your doctor at once if you have sudden vision problems, eye pain or redness, or if your eyes are more sensitive to light.
The timing of your monthly injections is very important for this medication to be effective.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive ranibizumab if you are allergic to it, or if you have any type of infection in or around your eyes.
To make sure ranibizumab is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
glaucoma; or
a history of blood clots or stroke.
It is not known whether ranibizumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether ranibizumab passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
How is ranibizumab given?
Ranibizumab is given as an injection into your eye. Your doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or other clinic setting.
For a short time after your injection, your eyes will be checked periodically to make sure the injection has not caused any side effects.
Ranibizumab is usually given once every month.
For people with macular degeneration: After you have received the first 3 or 4 injections, your doctor may change your injection schedule to once every 3 months.
Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. The timing of your monthly injections is very important for this medication to be effective.
To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and...
