Lucentis (Ranibizumab (Rbe))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lucentis Used For?
Lucentis is an eye medication that treats several serious eye conditions that can cause vision loss. It works by blocking a protein that causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye.
Primary Uses
Lucentis treats wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), swelling due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia (PM), choroidal neovascularization due to other causes, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature babies.
How It Works
Lucentis specifically recognizes and binds to a protein called human vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) present in the eye. When VEGF-A is in excess, it causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. Lucentis blocks this protein’s actions and prevents abnormal blood vessel growth.
How to Take Lucentis
Lucentis is given as an injection directly into your eye by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) in their office. You will receive a local anesthetic to numb your eye before the injection.
Dosage Instructions
For adults, the usual dose is 0.05 mL (equivalent to 0.5mg). For premature infants, the usual dose is 0.02 mL (equivalent to 0.2mg), or alternatively 0.01 mL (equivalent to 0.1mg). Treatment typically starts with one injection per month. The time between injections in the same eye should not be shorter than one month. Your doctor will monitor your condition and decide when you need your next injection.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since your eye doctor administers Lucentis, it’s unlikely you’ll forget a dose. However, if you or your child miss a scheduled treatment, contact your doctor immediately to arrange another appointment as soon as possible. Stopping treatment may cause your eye disease to worsen.
Important: Never attempt to inject this medication yourself. It must only be given by a qualified eye doctor in a sterile medical setting.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Eye discomfort or feeling something is in your eye
- Dry eye
- Spots in front of the eye (floaters)
- Teary eyes
- Pain or irritation at injection site
- Eye irritation or clouding of the lens
- Increased tear production
- Redness or itching of the eye
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fatigue
- General feeling of being unwell
- Anxiety
- Cough
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, redness of skin)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Bloodshot eye or bleeding in the eye
- Inflammation or infection of the eyelids
- Blurred vision or temporary blindness
- Discharge from the eye with itching, redness and swelling
- Small marks on the eye surface
- Swelling or irritated eyelid
- Pus on the eye
- Eye pain with light sensitivity
- Seeing flashes of light with floaters progressing to vision loss
- Urinary tract infection symptoms (burning, stinging, pain when urinating)
- Signs of stroke (weakness or paralysis of limbs or face, difficulty speaking or understanding)
Important Warnings
Before receiving Lucentis, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and current health status with your doctor to ensure this treatment is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Lucentis
Do not use Lucentis if you are allergic to ranibizumab (rbe) or any ingredients in the medication. Do not receive this medication if you have or suspect an infection in or around your eye, or if you have eye pain or redness. Signs of allergic reactions include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have before receiving Lucentis. Discuss any other medicines you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Use effective contraception during Lucentis treatment and for at least three months after your last injection. Lucentis is not recommended during breastfeeding as it’s unknown whether it passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while receiving treatment.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Lucentis works. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Alcohol & Driving
While there are no known interactions between Lucentis and alcohol, you should be cautious about driving and operating machinery if your vision is affected.
Alcohol
There are no known interactions between Lucentis and alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery if your vision is poor, either because of your eye disease or because of the treatment. This medication may cause temporary vision problems in some people. Wait until your vision returns to normal before driving or doing anything that could be dangerous.
Storage
You don’t need to store Lucentis at home. Your eye doctor will handle all storage and administration of this medication. The medication should not be used after its expiry date or if the packaging is damaged.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely since your doctor administers the exact dose. However, if you feel unwell after receiving Lucentis, contact your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will monitor your eye condition and check how you respond to treatment. Depending on your response, your doctor will decide whether and when you need additional injections.
Treatment typically starts with one injection per month. The time between injections in the same eye should not be shorter than one month. Your doctor will determine your specific treatment schedule based on how your condition responds.
There are no known interactions between Lucentis and alcohol, so moderate alcohol consumption should not interfere with your treatment.
Contact your doctor immediately to arrange another appointment as soon as possible. Missing treatments may cause your eye disease to worsen.
You will receive a local anesthetic eye drop to numb your eye before the injection, which should minimize discomfort. Some patients may experience mild pain or irritation at the injection site afterward.
Do not drive or operate machinery if your vision is poor after treatment. Wait until your vision returns to normal before driving or doing activities that require clear sight.
Yes, Lucentis is used to treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature babies, but with a lower dose (0.02 mL or 0.01 mL) compared to adults. This use is subject to additional monitoring for safety.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.