This medication is used to treat certain serious eye
conditions (such as age-related macular degeneration, macular edema,
diabetic retinopathy). It is used to help prevent decreased vision and
blindness. Ranibizumab works by slowing the growth of abnormal new blood
vessels in the eye and decreasing leakage from these blood
vessels.
This monograph is about the following ranibizumab
products: ranibizumab, ranibizumab-eqrn, and
ranibizumab-nuna.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start receiving ranibizumab and each time you
get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into the affected
eye(s) by a health care professional. The affected eye is numbed before
each injection. Your eye will be monitored before the injection. After the
injection, you will remain in the doctor's office for a while, and your eye
will continue to be monitored.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. This medication is given as directed by your doctor,
usually once a month for most conditions.
When treating age-related macular degeneration, if you
are not able to have monthly injections after your first few doses, getting
injections once every 2 or 3 months may be an option, although not as
effective as monthly injections. Consult your doctor for more
details.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Mild discomfort or increased tears may occur in the
affected eye(s). If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may rarely increase your risk for
developing certain serious eye conditions (endophthalmitis, retinal
detachment, retinal vasculitis). Tell your doctor right away if you notice
any of these symptoms in the affected eye(s):
- pain
- redness
- sensitivity to light
- sudden change in vision
This medication may sometimes increase the risk of
serious (possibly fatal) blood clots. This may lead to stroke, heart
attack, and other blood vessel problems. Get medical help right away if you
develop:
- symptoms of stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body,
trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion)
- symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm
pain)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before receiving ranibizumab, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ranibizumab products; or
if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- a current eye infection
- stroke
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This drug may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it
safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
However, this medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while
you are using this medication. Keep all medical appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor right away for a new dosing
schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or
doctor's office and will not be stored at home.