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Macugen
Macular degeneration facts
- The macula is in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for central vision (straight-ahead vision). Degeneration of the macula occurs most often after the age of 60 years and is termed age-related macular generation (AMD).
- AMD is a painless condition.
- There are two types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD.
- Smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, a diet high in unsaturated fats and simple carbohydrates and lack of exercise all increase the risk of AMD.
- Early symptoms of dry AMD include slightly blurred vision, the need for more light for reading, and difficulty recognizing faces until very close to the person. A symptom of more advanced dry AMD is the presence of a blurred spot in the center of vision. An early symptom of wet AMD is the wavy appearance of straight lines.
- Dry AMD cannot be treated...
Macugen
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Macugen Patient Information including How Should I Take
In this Article
- What is pegaptanib (Macugen)?
- What are the possible side effects of pegaptanib (Macugen)?
- What is the most important information I should know about pegaptanib (Macugen)?
- What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving pegaptanib (Macugen)?
- How is pegaptanib used (Macugen)?
- What happens if I miss a dose (Macugen)?
- What happens if I overdose (Macugen)?
- What should I avoid while receiving pegaptanib (Macugen)?
- What other drugs will affect pegaptanib (Macugen)?
- Where can I get more information?
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving pegaptanib (Macugen)?
Do not use pegaptanib if you have an infection in or around your eye.
Before receiving pegaptanib, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction when receiving a pegaptanib injection.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether pegaptanib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is pegaptanib used (Macugen)?
Pegaptanib is given as an injection through a needle placed directly into your eye. Your doctor will give you this injection in a clinic setting. Only one eye at a time will be treated unless your doctor prescribes otherwise.
Pegaptanib injections are usually given every 6 weeks.
Before your injection, you will receive a numbing medicine to make you comfortable during the injection. You will also be treated with an antibiotic medicine to prevent infection.
After your injection, your doctor will need to check your eyes periodically for up to 30 minutes. You may also need to be checked again in 2 and 7 days.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your eyes will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic to prevent an eye infection, take the antibiotic for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor.
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Additional Macugen Information
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