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Ranibizumab (Into the eye)

Ranibizumab (ra-ni-BIZ-oo-mab)

Treats wet age-related macular degeneration, myopic choroidal neovascularization, and macular edema caused by a blocked blood vessel or diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy.

Brand Name(s):

Byooviz, Cimerli, Lucentis, Susvimo

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to ranibizumab, or if you have an eye infection or active eye swelling.

How to Use This Medicine:

Implant, Injectable

Lucentis®: A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) will give you this medicine as a shot into the eye.
Susvimo: This medicine is an implant that is inserted through the white part of the eye (sclera) by a doctor. Your doctor will refill the implant device every 6 months (at least every 24 weeks). Your doctor will give you instructions to follow after you receive the implant or the refill, and after the implant is removed.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how ranibizumab works. Tell your doctor if you are using aspirin, a blood thinner (including warfarin), or NSAIDs. Tell your doctor if you have received verteporfin with light therapy in the past 7 days.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 12 months after the last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, an eye infection, other eye problems, or bleeding problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Serious eye or vision problems (including eye infection or bleeding, retinal detachment, conjunctival bleb, erosion, retinal vasculitis with or without occlusion, or retraction)
- Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
Tell your doctor right away if your implant has moved out of place. You may need a surgery to correct this movement.
Implant damage may occur with Susvimo, which may cause problems when you receive a refill. Your doctor may remove the implant or change your treatment if your implant has been damaged.
Tell your doctor that you have Susvimo implanted in your eye before you have an MRI.
Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until your eye shield can be removed and you can see. Do not rub or touch the area of the eye where the implant is inserted. Wash your hands first, if you have to touch your eye.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bleeding in your eye
Blurred vision, seeing floating spots, sensitivity to light
Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness
Eye pain, swelling, redness, or itching of your eyes or eyelids
Irritated, dry, or watery eyes, a feeling that something is in your eyes
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf)
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 4/23/2024