Macugen

Generic Name: pegaptanib ophthalmic
Other Brand Names: pegaptanib ophthalmic

What is pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

Pegaptanib decreases the level of a protein that affects the cells of the eye. This protein can cause swelling and blood vessel changes that lead to macular degeneration and blindness.

Pegaptanib treats age-related macular degeneration.

Pegaptanib may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

Do not use pegaptanib if you have an infection in or around your eye.

Before receiving pegaptanib, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction when receiving a pegaptanib injection.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether pegaptanib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

Pegaptanib is given as an injection through a needle placed directly into your eye. Your doctor will give you this injection in a clinic setting. Only one eye at a time will be treated unless your doctor prescribes otherwise.

Pegaptanib injections are usually given every 6 weeks.

Before your injection, you will receive a numbing medicine to make you comfortable during the injection. You will also be treated with an antibiotic medicine to prevent infection.

After your injection, your doctor will need to check your eyes periodically for up to 30 minutes. You may also need to be checked again in 2 and 7 days.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your eyes will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic to prevent an eye infection, take the antibiotic for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose of pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

Call your doctor for instructions.

Where can I get more information about pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?
Your pharmacist has information about pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • eye pain, redness, or irritation;

  • drainage or discharge from your eyes;

  • feeling that your eyes are more sensitive to light; or

  • trouble seeing, or other vision changes.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

  • cough;

  • diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;

  • headache, dizziness;

  • joint pain; or

  • painful or burning urination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

Do not use pegaptanib if you have an infection in or around your eye.

Before receiving pegaptanib, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction when receiving a pegaptanib injection.

Pegaptanib is given as an injection through a needle placed directly into your eye. Your doctor will give you this injection in a clinic setting. Only one eye at a time will be treated unless your doctor prescribes otherwise.

Pegaptanib injections are usually given every 6 weeks.

Before your injection, you will receive a numbing medicine to make you comfortable during the injection. You will also be treated with an antibiotic medicine to prevent infection.

After your injection, your doctor will need to check your eyes periodically for up to 30 minutes. You may also need to be checked again in 2 and 7 days.

You may need to protect your eyes from bright light while you are being treated with this medication.

What should I avoid while taking pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while receiving pegaptanib unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

You may need to protect your eyes from bright light while you are being treated with this medication.

What other drugs will affect pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

There may be other drugs that can affect pegaptanib. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What happens if I have an overdose of pegaptanib (ophthalmic injection)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

An overdose of pegaptanib is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008