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Macugen

Generic name: pegaptanib ophthalmic injectionpeg-AP-ta-nib ]
Drug class: Anti-angiogenic ophthalmic agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jul 15, 2022.

What is Macugen?

Macugen in an injection containing pegaptanib. Pegaptanib is made from a human antibody fragment. It works by keeping new blood vessels from forming under the retina (a sensory membrane that lines the inside of the eye). In people with a certain type of eye disease, new blood vessels grow under the retina where they leak blood and fluid. This is known as the "wet form" of macular degeneration.

Macugen injection is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration.

Macugenis supplied in a sterile foil pouch with a single-use glass syringe pre-filled with 0.3 mg of pegaptanib.

Warnings

You should not receive Macugen if you are allergic to pegaptanib, or if you have cataracts or glaucoma, or any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection in or around your eyes.

Call your doctor at once if you have eye pain or redness, swelling or puffiness around your eyes, or sudden vision problems at any time during treatment.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Macugen if you are allergic to pegaptanib, or if you have an infection in or around your eyes.

To make sure Macugen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have::

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Macugen given?

Macugen is given as an injection into your eye. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or other clinic setting.

For a short time after your injection, your eyes will be checked periodically to make sure the injection has not caused any side effects.

Macugen is usually given once every 6 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Macular Degeneration:

0.3 mg via intravitreal injection into the affected eye once every 6 weeks.

Comments: The procedure should be carried out under controlled aseptic conditions. Anesthesia and a broad-spectrum microbicide should be administered before the injection.
No additional benefit has been demonstrated with dose levels above 0.3 mg.

Use: Treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Macugen injection.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose is unlikely to cause serious side effects.

What should I avoid while receiving Macugen?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Macugen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Macugen: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Macugen side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Macugen?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Macugen medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.