Key facts about Ranibizumab
What dosages is Ranibizumab available in?
Ranibizumab is available as a single-dose prefilled syringe designed to provide 0.05 mL for intravitreal injections:
- 10 mg/mL solution (LUCENTIS 0.5 mg)
- 6 mg/mL solution (LUCENTIS 0.3 mg)
What is Ranibizumab used for?
Ranibizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor that is used to treat conditions related to swelling or damage to the macula or retina (parts of the eye that are important for vision):
- Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
- Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV)
- Lucentis and Cimerli biosimilar only:
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR)
How does Ranibizumab work?
Ranibizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor. It blocks VEGF-A, which is a protein that plays a role in the formation of new blood vessels and inflammation. When new blood vessels form and inflammation occurs in parts of the eye (e.g., retina, macula), it can lead to certain eye conditions that negatively impact your vision. Ranibizumab prevents VEGF-A from having these effects in the eye, which helps lessen your chance of experiencing vision loss or blindness.
How do I take Ranibizumab?
Ranibizumab is only given in a clinic or hospital setting, since it has to be injected into the eye by a healthcare provider. Depending on your eye condition, the typical dose is 0.3 mg or 0.5 mg once a month (every 28 days).
Is it safe for me to take Ranibizumab?
Ranibizumab is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following.
Ocular or periocular infections. Hypersensitivity.
Ranibizumab Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Ranibizumab:
- Bleeding on the outer surface of the eye
- Eye pain
- Floaters in the eye fluid
- High eye pressure
Ranibizumab Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Ranibizumab. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Eye problem (e.g., infection, high eye pressure): severe eye pain, redness, worse vision
- Stroke: sudden confusion, sudden headache, weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, trouble talking or walking
- Heart attack: chest pain that spreads to your arm, a cold sweat, shortness of breath
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Ranibizumab
- Drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Ranibizumab. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking
Who makes Ranibizumab?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Ranibizumab safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Ranibizumab administration in pregnant women. Ranibizumab should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.













