Ranibizumab

Generic name: Ranibizumab [ ra-ni-BIZ-oo-mab ]
Brand name: Lucentis
Drug class: Anti-angiogenic ophthalmic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

Uses of Ranibizumab:

• It is used to treat macular degeneration.
• It is used to treat macular swelling.
• It is used to treat some eye problems caused by diabetes.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ranibizumab?

• If you have an allergy to ranibizumab or any other part of ranibizumab.
• If you are allergic to ranibizumab; any part of ranibizumab; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any kind of eye infection.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with ranibizumab.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ranibizumab with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ranibizumab?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take ranibizumab. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Have your eye pressure and eyesight checked as you have been told by the doctor.
• This medicine may affect fertility. Fertility problems may lead to not being able to get pregnant or father a child.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using ranibizumab while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Ranibizumab) best taken?

Use ranibizumab as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Your doctor will give ranibizumab.
• It is given as a shot into the eye.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Eyelid swelling.
• Eye discharge.
• Bleeding in the eye.
• Eye is bothered by bright light.
• Red eyes.
• The chance of heart attack or stroke due to blood clots may be raised. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of heart attack like chest pain that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach; abnormal sweating; or feeling sick or throwing up. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of stroke like weakness on 1 side of the body; eyesight, speech, or balance problems; drooping on 1 side of the face; feeling confused; or severe headache.

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What are some other side effects of Ranibizumab?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dry eyes.
• Seeing floaters.
• Feeling that something is in the eye.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Ranibizumab?

• If you need to store ranibizumab at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about ranibizumab, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer