Macugen
Generic name:pegaptanib ophthalmic injection [ peg-AP-ta-nib ]
Drug class:Anti-angiogenic ophthalmic agents
What is Macugen?
Macugen in an injection containing pegaptanib. Pegaptanib 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 a certain type of eye disease, new blood vessels grow under the retina where they leak blood and fluid. This is known as the "wet form" of macular degeneration.
Macugen injection is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration.
Macugenis supplied in a sterile foil pouch with a single-use glass syringe pre-filled with 0.3 mg of pegaptanib.
Warnings
You should not receive Macugen if you are allergic to pegaptanib, or if you have cataracts or glaucoma, or any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection in or around your eyes.
Call your doctor at once if you have eye pain or redness, swelling or puffiness around your eyes, or sudden vision problems at any time during treatment.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Macugen if you are allergic to pegaptanib, or if you have an infection in or around your eyes.
To make sure Macugen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have::
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is Macugen given?
Macugen is given as an injection into your eye. 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.
Macugen is usually given once every 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Macular Degeneration:
0.3 mg via intravitreal injection into the affected eye once every 6 weeks.
Comments: The procedure should be carried out under controlled aseptic conditions. Anesthesia and a broad-spectrum microbicide should be administered before the injection.
No additional benefit has been demonstrated with dose levels above 0.3 mg.
Use: Treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
