Lucentis Injections
New Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Lucentis (ranibizumab) is a medicine injected into the eye for the treatment of wet macular degeneration (AMD). 
Approval by the FDA was in June 2006, this drug belongs to a new category of drugs called anti-VEGF drugs which is a fancy word for saying that it stops new blood vessels from developing. Our eyes will try to develop new blood vessels when they are lacking oxygen due to poor circulation or because the tissues are clogged. However, the blood vessels that develop are abnormal and they leak. Such is the case in wet macular degeneration. Anti VEGF TherapyWet macular degeneration is the result of the formation of new, fragile and leaky blood vessels growing under the retina. The growth of these new blood vessels is called angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is secreted by cells that are oxygen deprived and stimulate the growth of these abnormal blood vessels. Healthy adults secrete very low levels of VEGF, while those who have health conditions such as cancer or age related macular degeneration secrete high levels of this protein. The idea behind anti-vegf drugs is to block the VEGF from stimulating the growth of these new blood vessels which damages the rod and cone cells by leaking blood and fluid. Those that benefit from this type of treatment are patients who have active leaking blood vessels. Macular Degeneration MedicationThis macular degeneration medication is actually injected inside the eye (intravitreous injection) as an office procedure that is best performed by ophthalmologists who are specially trained in Retina and Vitreous surgery.This treatment is not a cure for macular degeneration, but slows the progression and development of new, leaky blood vessels. Usually injections need to be administered every few weeks or months.
What are the Risks?According to the FDA Patient Information Sheet, the following are the major potential risks and side effects. However, this list is not complete.
* Serious eye infection
* Detached retina * Increases in eye pressure * Blood clots and bleeding in the eye * Inflammation inside the eye Call your eye doctor right away if your eye becomes sensitive to light, painful, or you develop a change in vision during your treatment. The manufacturer, Genentech Inc., has notified eye doctors and the FDA that it may increase the risk of stroke. Genentech, Inc. informed doctors that patients receiving the highest dose (0.5 mg.) had a 1.2 percent risk of stroke, four times the 0.3 percent stroke risk of a lower dose (0.3 mg.). People who have already had a stroke appear to be at the highest risk. The drug packaging already contains warnings that it may cause clotting problems and strokes. Genentech will continue to monitor the stroke risk. If this anti-angiogenic drug is your treatment of choice and you have already had a stroke or have other stroke risk factors, or are concerned about the increased stroke risk, you should talk to both your eye doctor and primary physician. Your eye doctor will carefully monitor your eye right after your injection and during the week following your injection.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects that may occur include:
* blood in the eye * red eye * eye pain * small specks in your vision This anti-vegf drug can interact with other medications. Tell your eye surgeon about all the medications you are on, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Write down your list and bring it with you to your doctor's visit. Some patients have developed a serious eye inflammation when receiving treatment with both Lucentis and verteporfin (Visudyne) photodynamic therapy (PDT). You probably are aware that
Avastin
is often injected instead of Lucentis for the off-label use for the treatment of wet macular degeneration. For more information on Avastin click on the link below:
Avastin
Lucentis & Avastin Clinical Trial
Currently Emory Eye Center in Atlanta is the lead study site, along with 47 other eye institutions that is involved in macular degeneration clinical trials comparing Lucentis and Avastin in the treatment of wet macular degeneration. For more information on this study and to see if there is a site near you click on this link:
Comparison of ARMD Treatment
Go from Lucentis Injections to Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment
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