ranibizumab (ophthalmic)
ranibizumab (ophthalmic)Skip to the navigationWhat is the most important information I should know about ranibizumab?You should not receive ranibizumab if you are allergic to it, or if you have any type of infection in or around your eyes. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, or a history of blood clots or stroke. Call your doctor at once if you have sudden vision problems, eye pain or irritation, discharge or bleeding from the eye, swelling around your eye, seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision, sudden numbness or weakness in your body, sudden severe headache, or problems with speech or balance. Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment to receive your ranibizumab injection. The timing of your monthly injections is very important for this medication to be effective. What is ranibizumab?Ranibizumab 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. Ranibizumab ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. Ranibizumab is also used to treat swelling in the retina caused by diabetes or by a blockage in the blood vessels. Ranibizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ranibizumab?You should not receive ranibizumab if you are allergic to it, or if you have any type of infection in or around your eyes. To make sure you can safely receive ranibizumab ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, or a history of blood clots or stroke. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ranibizumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether ranibizumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How is ranibizumab given?Ranibizumab is given as an injection into your eye. Your doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection. 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. Ranibizumab is usually given once every month. After you have received the first 4 injections, your doctor may change your injection schedule to once every 3 months. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. The timing of your monthly injections is very important for this medication to be effective. To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your eyes will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor. What happens if I miss a dose?Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment to receive your ranibizumab injection. What happens if I overdose?Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur. What should I avoid while receiving ranibizumab?This medication may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. What are the possible side effects of ranibizumab?Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: - eye pain or redness, swelling around your eyes;
- sudden vision problems;
- discharge or bleeding from the eye;
- eyes being more sensitive to light;
- seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision;
- feeling like something is in your eye;
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
- sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with speech or balance; or
- pain or burning when you urinate.
Less serious side effects may include: - itchy or watery eyes;
- dry eyes, swelling of the eyelids;
- blurred vision;
- sinus pain, sore throat, cough; or
- joint pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What other drugs will affect ranibizumab?There may be other drugs that can interact with ranibizumab. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Where can I get more information?Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ranibizumab ophthalmic.
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Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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