Lucentis

What is LUCENTIS?

(LUCENTIS) This medication is used to treat certain serious eye conditions (such as age-related macular degeneration, macular edema, diabetic retinopathy). It is used to help prevent decreased vision and blindness. Ranibizumab works by slowing the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye and decreasing leakage from these blood vessels. This monograph is about the following ranibizumab products: ranibizumab, ranibizumab-nuna, and ranibizumab-eqrn.

How should I use LUCENTIS?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start receiving ranibizumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into the affected eye(s) by a health care professional. The affected eye is numbed before each injection. Your eye will be monitored before the injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor's office for a while, and your eye will continue to be monitored. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication is given as directed by your doctor, usually once a month for most conditions. When treating age-related macular degeneration, if you are not able to have monthly injections after your first few doses, getting injections once every 2 or 3 months may be an option, although not as effective as monthly injections. Consult your doctor for more details. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take LUCENTIS?

Before receiving ranibizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ranibizumab products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a current eye infection, stroke. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This drug may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. However, this medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with LUCENTIS?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

What if I miss a dose of LUCENTIS?

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor right away for a new dosing schedule.

What side effects may I notice from receiving LUCENTIS?

Mild discomfort or increased tears may occur in the affected eye(s). If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may rarely increase your risk for developing certain serious eye conditions (endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, retinal vasculitis). Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms in the affected eye(s): pain, redness, sensitivity to light, sudden change in vision. This medication may sometimes increase the risk of serious (possibly fatal) blood clots. This may lead to stroke, heart attack, and other blood vessel problems. Get medical help right away if you develop: symptoms of stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion), symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep LUCENTIS?

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.