Generic
Ranibizumab
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Ranibizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF-A used for neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy, and myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV).
Description
Ranibizumab binds to the receptor binding site of active forms of VEGF-A, including VEGF110. VEGF-A causes neovascularization and leakage in models of ocular angiogenesis and is thought to contribute to pathophysiology of neovascular AMD, mCNV, DR, DME, and macular edema following RVO. Binding of ranibizumab to VEGF-A prevents interaction with its receptors on endothelial cells, reducing endothelial cell proliferation, vascular leakage, and new blood vessel formation.
Indications
- Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Diabetic retinopathy (NPDR, PDR) in patients with DME
- Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV)
Therapeutic class
Drugs for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Pharmacological class
Anti-VEGF Monoclonal Antibody
Pharmacology
Ranibizumab binds to the receptor binding site of VEGF-A, preventing interaction with VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 on endothelial cell surfaces. It reduces endothelial cell proliferation, vascular leakage, and new blood vessel formation, helping prevent vision loss in neovascular AMD, DME, and RVO.
Mechanism of action
Prevents angiogenesis and vascular leakage by binding to VEGF-A.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Intravitreal):
- Neovascular AMD: 0.5 mg (0.05 mL of 10 mg/mL solution) once monthly
- Macular edema in RVO: 0.5 mg once monthly for 6 months
- DME and DR: 0.3 mg (0.05 mL of 6 mg/mL solution) once monthly
- mCNV: 0.5 mg once monthly for up to 3 months; may retreat if needed
Administration
- Administered by ophthalmologist as intravitreal injection only
- Do not self-administer
- Once monthly (approximately every 28 days)
- Use aseptic injection technique
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Conjunctival hemorrhage
- Eye pain
- Eye inflammation
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Endophthalmitis
- Retinal detachment
- Thromboembolic events
Precautions & warnings
- May cause temporary visual disturbances after injection; do not drive until vision is clear
- Monitor intraocular pressure before and after injection
- Use aseptic technique to prevent infection
- Do not use in active or suspected ocular/periocular infection or active severe intraocular inflammation
Contraindications
- Active or suspected ocular or periocular infection
- Active severe intraocular inflammation
- Signs of irreversible ischemic visual function loss in retinal vein occlusion
- Hypersensitivity to ranibizumab or any excipient
Drug interactions
- Belimumab: May enhance adverse/toxic effect
- Verteporfin photodynamic therapy: Serious intraocular inflammation when used adjunctively
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Ranibizumab.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies have shown harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; no data on presence in human milk.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric use
No dose adjustment required for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Safe in liver disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; consult your doctor if overused.
Storage conditions
Store at 2-8°C; protect from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Ranibizumab