Ranibizumab
LUCENTIS
Pronunciation: ra-ni-BIZ-yoo-mab
What it isAnti-VEGF-A monoclonal-antibody fragment injected intravitreally; wet macular degeneration and retinal edema.
Why this oneThe Fab format was engineered for retinal penetration and rapid systemic clearance, minimizing systemic VEGF exposure.
What limits itEndophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and transient pressure rise are injection hazards; systemic arterial events remain a concern.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neovascular (wet) AMD | Adult | 0.5 mg intravitreal monthly (~28 days) | ||
| Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) | Adult | 0.5 mg intravitreal monthly (~28 days) | ||
| Diabetic macular edema (DME) | Adult | 0.3 mg intravitreal monthly (~28 days) | ||
| Diabetic retinopathy (DR) | Adult | 0.3 mg intravitreal monthly (~28 days) | ||
| Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) | Adult | 0.5 mg intravitreal monthly × up to 3 months | retreat if needed |
Renal No adjustment needed
Hepatic Undefined
Dose is 0.5 mg for AMD/RVO/mCNV and 0.3 mg for DME/DR.
Instructions
- For ophthalmic intravitreal injection only
- Use controlled aseptic technique; adequate anesthesia and broad-spectrum microbicide
- Monitor intraocular pressure before and within 30 min after injection
- One prefilled syringe per eye
Available strengths
- inj 6, 10, 100 mg/mL
Contraindications
- Ocular or periocular infections.
Cautions
- Endophthalmitis and retinal detachments after intravitreal injection
- Increases in intraocular pressure
- Potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events
- Fatal events occurred more frequently in DME/DR patients treated monthly
- Retinal vasculitis with or without occlusion — discontinue if it develops
Adverse reactions
- conjunctival hemorrhage
- eye pain
- vitreous floaters
- increased intraocular pressure
- nasopharyngitis
- headache
Pregnancy No adequate human studies; anti-VEGF mechanism may pose risk to embryofetal development (skeletal abnormalities in monkeys at 13× exposure). Give only if clearly needed.
Lactation No data on presence in human milk; exercise caution when administering to a nursing woman.
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mg/mL | inj | per unit | not offered | |
| 10 mg/mL | inj | per unit | not offered | |
| 100 mg/mL | inj | per unit | not offered |
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskEndophthalmitis and retinal detachment after intravitreal injection