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Lucentis (ranibizumab)

Editorial Team's avatar image

By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2024 | Last updated: June 2024

Lucentis® (ranibizumab) is a prescription drug approved to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lucentis is a type of drug known as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor.1

Lucentis is given as an injection into the eye (intravitreal injection). The injections may be given every 1 to 3 months.1

What is anti-VEGF therapy?

In healthy people, the VEGF protein promotes the growth of new blood vessels. In people with wet AMD, there is too much VEGF in the eye. This leads to an abnormal growth of weak, leaky blood vessels that affect vision.2

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Blocking the VEGF protein reduces the growth of weak, leaky blood vessels in people with MD. This can slow the progression of MD. Anti-VEGF therapy like Lucentis can block and reduce the production of VEGF and its effects.3

What are the ingredients in Lucentis?

The active ingredient in Lucentis is ranibizumab.1

How does Lucentis work?

Lucentis binds to and inhibits VEGF, preventing it from promoting abnormal blood vessel growth. This helps to preserve your existing vision and slow the progression of wet AMD.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Lucentis include:1

  • Bursting of small blood vessels just beneath the clear surface of the eye (conjunctival hemorrhage)
  • Eye pain
  • Floaters
  • Increased pressure in the eye
  • Nose and throat infections
  • Anemia
  • Nausea
  • Cough

These are not all the possible side effects of Lucentis. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Lucentis. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Lucentis.

Other things to know

Before starting treatment with Lucentis, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Diabetes
  • A history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
  • An eye infection

There is not enough data to know if Lucentis is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Lucentis.1

Before beginning treatment for macular degeneration, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Lucentis.

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.