About Lucentis Ranibizumab
(See detailed Medicine Prescription Information here)
LUCENTIS Ranibizumab is a prescription medicine for the treatment of patients with:
- wet age-related macular degeneration (WAMD)
- diabetic retinopathy (DR)
- diabetic macular edema (DME)
- myopic choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV)
- macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
Lucentis is the commercial name for ranibizumab, a monoclonal antibody fragment (Fab). Both Bevacizumab and this antibody originate from the same parent mouse antibody. Novartis markets Ranibizumab, a drug developed by Genentech. A study links the use of Lucentis to a decreased risk of stomach issues and a low frequency of eye-related adverse events. Conjunctival bleeding, eye discomfort, vitreous floaters, elevated intraocular pressure, and intraocular inflammation were the most frequent side events reported in clinical trials.
Know more about some terms in Lucentis Ranibizumab :
- AMD, or ARMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration): The condition in which a person will have blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field. It may not result in complete blindness, but it will make regular life difficult.
- Macular Edema: This may result in yellow deposits in and under the eye’s macula. The retina may thicken (edema), affecting central vision.
- Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: The occlusion of one of the central retinal vein’s branches causes this condition in the elderly.
What is the dosage of Lucentis Ranibizumab?
It will depend on the essential treatment the medicine is used for:
- For Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):
- LUCENTIS 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) as an intravitreal injection once a month (approximately 28 days).
- Alternate dosage is not as effective
- Start with 3 monthly doses followed by less frequent dosing with regular assessment.
- Start with one dose every 3 months after 4 monthly doses with periodic evaluations.
- Macular Edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO):
- LUCENTIS 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) as an intravitreal injection once a month (approximately 28 days).
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR):
- LUCENTIS 0.3 mg (0.05 mL) as an intravitreal injection once a month (approximately 28 days).
- Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV)
- LUCENTIS 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) as an intravitreal injection once a month (about 28 days) for up to three months.
Separately packaged as a single-use prefilled syringe and for single eyes are designed to provide 0.05 mL for intravitreal injections:
- 10 mg/mL solution (LUCENTIS 0.5 mg)
- 6 mg/mL solution (LUCENTIS 0.3 mg)
Separately packaged as a single-use glass vial designed to provide 0.05 mL for intravitreal injections:
- 10 mg/mL solution (LUCENTIS 0.5 mg)
- 6 mg/mL solution (LUCENTIS 0.3 mg)
Warnings while using Lucentis Ranibizumab
- After injections, patients should undergo routine monitoring.
- Endophthalmitis and retinal detachments may occur.
- May observe increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) during the pre-intravitreal and post-intravitreal injections.
- The risk of arterial thromboembolic events may be present.
- Patients with DME and DR at baseline received monthly treatment with LUCENTIS ranibizumab to reduce their higher risk of fatalities compared to the control group.
- Other risks are conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, vitreous floaters, and increased IOP.
How to store Lucentis Ranibizumab?
- Store LUCENTIS ranibizumab in the refrigerator at 2º-8ºC (36º-46ºF). DO NOT FREEZE. Always read the label and expiration date. Protect LUCENTIS ranibizumab from light and leave it in the original package in sealed condition until the time of use. Do not freeze Lucentis ranibizumab.
Lucentis Ranibizumab Precautions:
- Do not share a prefilled syringe or vial with other people.
- Do not re-use needles.
- Visit your doctor regularly.
- Always read the label and expiration date.
- Use the product only if the packaging is secure.
- Protect LUCENTIS from light and leave it in the original package under sealed conditions until the time of use.
- Do not freeze Lucentis.
- Keep Lucentis and associated medicines out of children’s reach.
Remember that regular physical exercise is crucial to treating diabetes or managing prediabetes, along with your diet planning, weight management, and medications. Being active increases the responsiveness of your cells to insulin, leading to a more successful lowering of your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. Take your medications regularly, and follow up with your healthcare specialist.
