Lucentis is a medicine that is injected into the eye to treat age-related wet macular degeneration. This eMedTV article describes the effects of Lucentis, explains how often the drug is administered, and lists possible side effects that may occur.
Common Lucentis side effects may include watery or itchy eyes, headache, and vision problems. This eMedTV segment lists other possible side effects of the drug, including potentially serious ones that should be reported to a doctor right away.
Lucentis uses are primarily focused on the treatment of age-related "wet" macular degeneration. This eMedTV Web page discusses the condition in more detail, describes how the drug works, and explains whether it can be used in children.
Lucentis should be administered on a monthly basis to ensure effectiveness of the drug. As this segment of the eMedTV library explains, the recommended Lucentis dosage is 0.5 mg, injected into the eye once a month (about every 28 days).
There are currently no known Lucentis drug interactions. As this page on the eMedTV Web site explains, since the medication is injected directly into the eye, drug interactions are not likely because very little actually reaches the bloodstream.
Lucentis injections may occasionally cause a temporary increase in the pressure inside the eye. This eMedTV resource contains other Lucentis warnings and precautions to be aware of and explains who should avoid taking the medication.
It is unknown whether Lucentis is safe for pregnant women. As this eMedTV page explains, no studies have been conducted on Lucentis and pregnancy. Since the drug is used to treat a condition that usually affects older people, it may not be a concern.
Researchers are not sure if Lucentis passes through breast milk in women. As this eMedTV page explains, no studies have been done on Lucentis and breastfeeding, probably because the drug is used to treat a condition that usually affects older people.
Since Lucentis is a "biologic" medication, it is not available in generic form. This eMedTV page explains why generic Lucentis products are not allowed to be manufactured and discusses whether current laws on biologics will be changed in the future.
