What condition does Ranibizumab treat?
Ranibizumab is used for the treatment of certain serious eye conditions such as:
- Macular edema
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
This prescription is usually recommended for use for people with sight problems that are caused by conditions where blood vessels leak into an area at the back of the eye. This medication helps to slow the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye.
Ranibizumab is a type of medicine called a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor. It helps lessen the leakage from the blood vessels that may cause vision loss. This medicine is a sterile, colorless to pale yellow solution in a single-use glass vial. Ranibizumab is supplied as a preservative-free and sterile solution in a single-use container. This prescription is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How does Ranibizumab work?
Ranibizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). By binding to VEGF-A, this medicine blocks the action of this substance. In which it stops the growth of blood vessels in the eye. Ranibizumab may help improve damaged vision or prevent it from getting worse.
In certain eye conditions, blood vessels from the back of the eye grow abnormally into the macula. These blood vessels may bleed or leak into this area. It may cause swelling and a rapid reduction in central vision. The substance VEGF-A is responsible for making the blood vessels grow and leak.
What is the recommended dosage for Ranibizumab?
The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition and response. You must take this prescription exactly as it is given. This is to be given by injection into the affected eyes by a doctor or healthcare professional. Before each injection, the affected eye is numbed and your eye will be monitored. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor’s room for a while so your eye will be monitored.
What are the side effects of Ranibizumab?
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sinus pain
- Discomfort or increased tears in the affected eyes
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Joint pain
- Eye pain or irritation
- Nausea
What are the precautions in taking Ranibizumab?
- Tell your doctor if you have an infection in or around the eyes. Your doctor may not give you this medicine until the infection is gone.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding a woman let your doctor know. If you become pregnant while having this medication, call, your doctor right away.
- Your eye doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few days after you receive this medicine. Call your doctor if there are any changes in your vision.
- Do not drive or do anything that needs your clear vision until you can do it safely.
- You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have any type of infection in or around your eyes.
- It is important to inform your doctor about any medical history you have or any medications you are taking.
