Lucentis (Ranibizumab) for AMD

Overview
Lucentis is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also indicated for macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and myopic choroidal neovascularization. Lucentis is also known by its drug name, ranibizumab.

Ranibizumab is a biologic drug and is classified as an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. VEGF is a protein that can cause abnormal blood-vessel growth in the eye associated with conditions such as AMD. Scientists believe that by blocking VEGF, Lucentis helps reduce the growth of these blood vessels, thereby helping to slow or stop the progression of vision loss and in some cases, improve vision.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Lucentis is administered by intravitreal injection (injection into the eye) for wet AMD. The recommended dosing schedule is one per month (approximately every 28 days). Dosing and scheduling can vary from person to person, as recommended by a healthcare provider. 

Side effects
Common side effects of Lucentis include conjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding under the outer layer of the eye), eye pain, vitreous floaters (small spots in the vision), and increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

Rare but serious side effects may include endophthalmitis (inflammation of the inside of the eye), retinal detachment, arterial thromboembolic events (blood clots in the arteries), and significant increases in IOP.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Label: Lucentis — Ranibizumab Injection, Solutionucentis — DailyMe

Ranibizumab Injection — MedlinePlus