Lucentis?

Lucentis is a brand name for ranibizumab. It’s a prescription medicine used to treat certain eye diseases that involve abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling in the retina.

Key points:
- What it is: Ranibizumab, a humanized antibody fragment that blocks VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A).
- How it’s used: Injected directly into the eye (intravitreal injection) by a trained eye clinician.
- Common indications (U.S. and many other places):
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Macular edema after retinal vein occlusion (CRVO or BRVO)
- Choroidal neovascularization associated with pathologic myopia
- Dosing (typical): Usually 0.5 mg in 0.05 mL per injection. Often given monthly for the first few months, then on a monthly, PRN (as-needed), or treat-and-extend schedule depending on how the eye responds (vision and imaging like OCT).
- How it’s given: In a clinic, with sterile technique; eye is prepared (eye drops or other antisepsis) and the injection is made through the eye wall into the vitreous.
- Common side effects: Conjunctival redness or hemorrhage, eye pain, eye irritation, floaters, and temporary increased eye pressure. Less common but serious risks include endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye), retinal detachment, and inflammation.
- Important safety notes: Do not use if you have an eye infection or active intraocular inflammation. Discuss any history of stroke or heart attack with your doctor, though systemic VEGF suppression from this local treatment is rare.
- Comparisons: Other anti-VEGF options (not Lucentis) include Avastin (bevacizumab, often used off-label) and Eylea (aflibercept). Each has its own dosing and cost considerations.

If you tell me your specific interest (indication, dosing questions, side effects, costs, or how it compares to other treatments), I can tailor the information. And if this is for a patient, please consult a healthcare professional for guidance specific to that condition.