Ranibizumab

Generic Details

Generic Name

Ranibizumab

Other Names

  • Lucentis

Drug Class

  • Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)

Chemical Formula

C211H215ClN43O6S

Molecular Weight

LBS

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits VEGF-A, a key factor in blood vessel formation

Indications

  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Diabetic macular edema
  • Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion
  • Myopic choroidal neovascularization

Common Dosage Forms

  • Intravitreal injection

Typical Dosage

  • 0.5 mg per injection once a month

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and effectiveness not established in children

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dosage adjustment may be required based on individual patient characteristics

Side Effects

  • Eye pain
  • Bleeding in the eye
  • Increased eye pressure
  • Floaters in the eye
  • Conjunctival hemorrhage

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to ranibizumab or any component of the formulation

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus

Lactation Safety

  • It is unknown whether ranibizumab is excreted in human milk

Drug Interactions

  • No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with ranibizumab

Overdose Symptoms

  • Increased risk of systemic adverse events

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote for overdose

Storage Conditions

  • Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapid following intravitreal injection
  • Distribution: Binds to VEGF-A with high affinity
  • Metabolism: Metabolized into smaller peptides and amino acids
  • Excretion: Primarily through the urine

Precautions

  • Monitor for signs of endophthalmitis and retinal detachment

Warnings

  • May increase the risk of arterial thromboembolic events

Others

  • Regular ophthalmic evaluations are necessary during treatment