Lucentis
Lucentis Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Lucentis is a brand name. Its generic name is Ranibizumab.
Introduction
Lucentis is a recombinant monoclonal antibody fragment that is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other neovascular or exudative (fluid-filled) diseases of the eye. It works by inhibing vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) from binding to its receptors, therefore inhibiting new blood vessel formation and fluid leakage from existing vessels, thus slowing and stabilizing vision loss caused by AMD.
Uses For
Lucentis is mainly used in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also used to treat other neovascular or exudative diseases of the eye, such as diabetic macular edema (DME). It is sometimes used in conjunction with laser photocoagulation.
Mechanism of Action
Lucentis works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) from binding to its receptors, thus inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels and preventing the leakage of fluid from existing vessels. This prevents the buildup of fluid that can lead to vision loss caused by AMD and other neovascular eye diseases.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Lucentis typically takes effect within 1 to 4 weeks after the first dose. It has been shown to slow and stabilize vision loss caused by AMD and other diseases that cause neovascularization of the eye such as DME.
Absorption
Lucentis is administered as a subcutaneous injection and has an absorption rate of approximately 50 percent. The peak effect is typically seen within 1 to 4 weeks after the first dose.
Route of Elimination
Lucentis is eliminated primarily by renal excretion. It is eliminated in approximately 35 hours.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for ranibizumab is 0.5 mg per eye every month or 0.5 mg every three weeks, as needed, depending on the condition being treated. Some studies have found that patients with more severe disease may require more frequent doses.Administration
Lucentis is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Injection into the eye itself is not recommended.
Side Effects
Common side effects of ranibizumab include pain, swelling, redness, or itching at the injection site, eye allergies, conjunctivitis, and blepharitis. Less common side effects include vitreal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and increased intraocular pressure.
Toxicity
Although ranibizumab is generally well tolerated, it may cause severe reactions in some patients. In rare cases, it may cause systemic allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. It has also been known to cause local allergic reactions and skin rashes at the injection site.
Precautions
Patients should not use ranibizumab if they are allergic to the drug or any of its components. It is important to notify the healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements that the patient is taking prior to starting treatment with ranibizumab. This drug should not be used in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interaction
Lucentis may interact with certain drugs, such as immunosuppressants and anticoagulants. It is important to notify the healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements that the patient is taking prior to starting treatment with ranibizumab.
Disease Interaction
Lucentis may not be suitable for patients with certain diseases, such as platelet or bleeding disorders or systemic infections. It is important to notify the healthcare provider about any chronic conditions prior to starting treatment with ranibizumab.
Drug Interaction
Lucentis may interact with certain drugs, such as immunosuppressants and anticoagulants. It is important to notify the healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements that the patient is taking prior to starting treatment with ranibizumab.
Food Interactions
Lucentis is not known to interact with food. However, it is important to follow a balanced and nutritious diet while taking this medication.
Pregnancy Use
Lucentis is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women of child-bearing age should use an effective form of contraception while taking this drug.
Lactation Use
Lucentis is not recommended for use during lactation. Women of child-bearing age should use an effective form of contraception while taking this drug.
Acute Overdose
The symptoms of an overdose of ranibizumab can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and injection site reactions. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Contraindication
Lucentis should not be used in patients who are hypersensitive or allergic to it, or to any of its ingredients. It should also not be used in patients with certain diseases, such as platelet or bleeding disorders or systemic infections.
Use Directions
Lucentis is available as a 0.5 mg/mL injection in single-dose vials. It should be administered as an intravitreal injection into the affected eye, as directed by the healthcare provider.
Storage Conditions
Lucentis should be stored at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F) and should be protected from light. It should not be frozen.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of ranibizumab is approximately 16 mL/kg.
Half Life
The half-life of ranibizumab is approximately 35 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of ranibizumab is approximately 0.5 L/hr/kg.
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