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Lucentis
Lucentis (ranibizumab) is a monoclonal antibody fragment used to treat various eye conditions that affect vision, primarily those caused by abnormal blood vessel growth or leakage in the retina. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Lucentis works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that stimulates abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, reducing swelling and preventing further vision loss.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Lucentis treatment take to work?
Some patients may notice an improvement in vision within a few weeks of starting Lucentis, but the full effects often take several months, especially in chronic conditions like wet AMD or diabetic macular edema.
How often do I need to get Lucentis injections?
Lucentis is typically given once a month initially, though your doctor may reduce the frequency of injections if your condition stabilizes. Some patients may require fewer injections over time, depending on their response to treatment.
Can Lucentis cure my condition?
Lucentis does not cure wet AMD, diabetic macular edema, or other retinal conditions, but it helps slow the progression of vision loss and may improve vision in many patients.
What should I do if I miss an injection?
If you miss a scheduled Lucentis injection, contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing a dose may increase the risk of vision deterioration, so timely treatment is important.
Can Lucentis be used during pregnancy?
Lucentis should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary, as the safety of Lucentis during pregnancy has not been fully established. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Lucentis Work?
Lucentis works by binding to and inhibiting VEGF-A, a protein that promotes the formation of abnormal blood vessels and fluid leakage in the retina. By blocking VEGF-A, Lucentis helps reduce the growth of these abnormal blood vessels and decreases the leakage of fluid into the retina, which improves vision and slows the progression of retinal diseases. This action helps preserve the central vision that is often lost in conditions like wet AMD and diabetic macular edema.
Common Dosages
- 0.3 mg (for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema)
- 0.5 mg (for wet AMD, macular edema following RVO, and mCNV)
Typical Dosing
- For wet AMD: The typical dose is 0.5 mg injected into the affected eye once a month. After the initial treatment period, injections may be spaced out based on the patient’s response to treatment.
- For diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy: The dose is usually 0.3 mg injected into the affected eye once a month.
- For macular edema following RVO: The recommended dose is 0.5 mg injected into the affected eye once a month.
- For myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV): The dose is 0.5 mg once a month, with treatment duration depending on the patient's response.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
- Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) (abnormal blood vessel growth due to severe nearsightedness)
Who Shouldn't Take Lucentis?
- Active eye infections or ocular inflammation.
- Known hypersensitivity to ranibizumab or any of the ingredients in Lucentis.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Lucentis must be administered by an ophthalmologist through intravitreal injection (injection into the eye), and you will need regular follow-up appointments to monitor your vision and eye health.
- After receiving Lucentis, you may experience temporary blurred vision or sensitivity to light. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until your vision clears.
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms of eye infection, such as redness, swelling, eye pain, sensitivity to light, or sudden vision changes.
- The injection may cause some discomfort, but your doctor will usually use a local anesthetic to numb the eye before the procedure.
Side Effects of Lucentis
Common Side Effects
- Mild to moderate eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye (conjunctival hemorrhage)
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Blurred vision
- Small floaters in the vision
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Endophthalmitis (severe eye infection), which can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Retinal detachment or tears
- Severe increases in intraocular pressure
- Cataracts (clouding of the lens)
- Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye)
Risks and Warnings of Lucentis
- Endophthalmitis: There is a small risk of developing an eye infection after receiving Lucentis. Symptoms of infection include redness, pain, and sudden vision loss. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Retinal Detachment: Lucentis injections may increase the risk of retinal detachment or tears. If you experience sudden flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in your vision, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
- Increased Intraocular Pressure: After receiving Lucentis, your eye pressure may temporarily increase. Your eye doctor will monitor your intraocular pressure during follow-up visits.
- Bleeding Risk: Lucentis can cause bleeding in or around the eye. Patients who are on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder should discuss this risk with their doctor before starting treatment.
Interactions with Lucentis
Common Drug Interactions
- Lucentis does not have any known drug interactions. However, patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to ensure that no other conditions might interfere with the treatment.
Alternatives to Lucentis
- Eylea (aflibercept): Another anti-VEGF medication used to treat wet AMD, diabetic macular edema, and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion.
- Avastin (bevacizumab): An anti-VEGF medication used off-label for treating wet AMD and diabetic macular edema, often considered a lower-cost alternative to Lucentis.
- Beovu (brolucizumab): A newer anti-VEGF medication for wet AMD, requiring fewer injections than Lucentis in some cases.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A laser-based treatment option for certain retinal conditions like wet AMD.
