Pegaptanib intravitreal injection

What is Pegaptanib intravitreal injection?

PEGAPTANIB (Macugen®) is a drug that is injected into the eye and is used to treat macular degeneration. This treatment results in a slowing of the disease and helps to maintain vision. It is not a cure. Generic pegaptanib injection is not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Pegaptanib?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cataracts

• glaucoma

• previous eye surgeries or procedures

• an unusual reaction to Pegaptanib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Pegaptanib is injected into the eye by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who specializes in this treatment. The eye doctor will numb your eye and give you antibiotic eye drops. The injection is usually given every 6 weeks.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a scheduled appointment. If you miss a scheduled appointment, contact your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible.

What drug(s) may interact with Pegaptanib?

• no drug interactions have been reported

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Pegaptanib?

Your ophthamologist (eye doctor) will monitor the effects of the medication closely. You may need to return the office between 2 and 7 days following the treatment for a check on your condition and your response to the treatment.

You should report symptoms of eye pain, redness, swelling, or decreased vision to your eye doctor right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Pegaptanib?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• change or a decrease in vision

• discharge from the eye

• eye pain

• eye is sensitive to light

• itching or rash of treated area

• swelling or redness of the eye or eyelid

• severe headache

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• mild headache

• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

You will receive this drug in a clinic or hospital setting. You will not store this medicine at home.