This medication is used to treat certain serious eye conditions (age-related macular degeneration, macular edema). It is used to help prevent decreased vision and blindness. Ranibizumab works by slowing the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye and decreasing leakage from these blood vessels.

How to use ranibizumab vtre
This medication is given by injection into the affected eye(s) by a health care professional. The affected eye is numbed before each injection. Your eye will be monitored before the injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor\'s office for a while, and your eye will continue to be monitored.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication is usually given once a month or as directed by your doctor. When treating age-related macular degeneration, if you are not able to have monthly injections, your doctor may change your schedule after the first few injections to once every 3 months.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Mild discomfort and increased tears may occur in the affected eye(s). If either of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may infrequently increase your risk for developing a certain serious eye condition (endophthalmitis), especially during the first week after receiving a dose. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in the affected eye(s): pain, redness, sensitivity to light, sudden change in vision.
This medication may sometimes increase the risk of serious (possibly fatal) blood clots. This may lead to stroke, heart attack, and other blood vessel problems. Get medical help right away if you develop: symptoms of stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, confusion), symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before receiving ranibizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a current eye infection, stroke.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. However, this medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: products applied to the eye (e.g., eyedrops).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Your doctor will schedule periodic eye exams to monitor your progress and check for side effects.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or doctor\'s office and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised September 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.