Introduction

Ranibizumab (ra-ni-BIZ-oo-mab)

Treats disorders in the eye called wet age-related macular degeneration and macular edema.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Lucentis

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ranibizumab, or if you have an infection in or around your eye.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine is given as a shot into the eye.
• This medicine is usually given once a month (about every 28 days). In some patients, it may be given once every 3 months after the first 4 injections.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have received a light treatment with verteporfin (Visudyne®) within the past 7 days.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma or other eye problems.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may cause serious eye infections. Tell your doctor right away if your eyes become red, painful, or sensitive to light, or if you have a change in vision. Also, tell your doctor if you feel increased pressure in the eye.
• This medicine may increase your risk of blood clots. Check with your doctor right away if you are having pain in your chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves; difficulty with breathing; a severe, sudden headache; slurred speech; sudden, unexplained shortness of breath; sudden loss of coordination; sudden, severe weakness or numbness in your arm or leg; or vision changes.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bleeding in your eyes.
• Blurred vision, seeing floating spots, or sensitivity to light.
• Burning while urinating, or a change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat.
• Increased hunger or thirst.
• Increased pressure in the eye.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Painful skin blisters.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Swelling, redness, severe pain, or itching of your eyes or eyelids.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety.
• Diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain.
• Irritated, dry or watery eyes, or feeling that something is in your eyes.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Mild headache or dizziness.
• Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088