Lucentis® (Generic name: ranibizumab injection)
Year Approved by the FDA: 2006
Effective for: Wet macular degeneration
How it works: Lucentis®is an antibody fragment that binds to and inhibits the biologic activity of human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A), a protein that is believed to play a critical role in the formation of the new abnormal and leaky blood vessels, characteristic of wet macular degeneration. The drug is injected into the vitreous portion of the eye (the clear jelly-like substance that fills the eye from the lens back to the retina). Due to the fact that the production of VEGF-A is ongoing, routine administration of this drug is required.
According to data collected during clinical trials, nearly 95 percent of the participants who received a monthly injection maintained their vision at 12 months following the beginning of treatment compared to approximately 60 percent of patients who received the control treatment. Approximately one-third of patients in these trials had improved vision at 12 months.
Most common side effects: The most commonly reported adverse events included hemorrhage of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the white part of the eye), floaters, eye pain, increased eye pressure, and inflammation of the eye. Serious adverse events such as endophthalmitis (severe inflammation of the interior of the eye), retinal detachment, retinal tear, increased eye pressure and traumatic cataract were rare and often related to the injection procedure. There is also a small increase in the risk of stroke. Clinical trial data indicated that approximately .3 percent of patients suffered a stroke when given a .3 milligram dose of Lucentis®compared to 1.2 percent of patients who received a .5 milligram dose. In addition, patients who have previously suffered a stroke may be at greater risk of having another stroke.
Macugen® (Generic name: pegaptanib sodium injection)
Year Approved by the FDA: 2004
Effective for: Wet macular degeneration
How it works: Macugen® works by blocking Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes blood vessel growth. This treatment has the potential for helping all patients with the wet form of the disease, whereas photodynamic therapy and laser photocoagulation are only approved for patients that have a subtype of wet macular degeneration. According to the data collected during the clinical trials, patients receiving Macugen® were less likely to progress to legal blindness and experience severe vision loss.
Macugen® is injected into the vitreous portion of the eye (the clear jelly-like substance that fills the eye from the lens back to the retina). Due to the fact that the production of VEGF is ongoing, multiple injections of this drug on a routine basis are required.
Most common side effects: Inflammation of the eye, blurring or changes in vision, cataracts, bleeding in the eye, swelling of the eye, eye discharge, irritation or discomfort of the eye, and seeing "spots" in your vision.
A thoughtful evaluation must be performed by a physician before taking any medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbs. The American Health Assistance Foundation does not endorse any of these medications, vitamins, or herbs. A qualified physician should make an informed decision based on each person's medical history and current prescriptions. The medication summaries provided do not include all of the information important for patient use and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The prescribing physician should be consulted concerning any questions that you have.
The information provided in this section of our website was obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Eye institute (NEI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Library of Medicine, and research scientists specializing in macular degeneration.
Reviewed on 2/14/2008