Pronunciation:

peg-AP-ta-nib

Brand Names:

• Macugen

Uses of This Medicine:

Pegaptanib is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a disorder of the retina of the eye that causes blurring of vision or blindness .

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of pegaptanib in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .

Older adults—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of pegaptanib in the elderly .

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Eye infection—Pegaptanib should NOT be used in patients with an infection in or around the eye .

• Glaucoma—This medicine may increase eye pressure after injection. Your doctor will monitor your eye pressure during the week after every injection .

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A doctor will give you this medicine. Pegaptanib is given through a shot into your eye. .

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

Your doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks that you receive this medicine .

Serious eye problems may occur after treatment with this medicine. Check with your doctor immediately if your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful or develops a change in vision several days after your treatment.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

blindness

bloody eye

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

burning, dry, or itching eyes

cough producing mucus

decreased vision or other changes in vision

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty breathing

discharge, excessive tearing

disturbed color perception

double vision

drainage from eyes

eye pain

frequent urge to urinate

gradual loss of vision

halos around lights

itching of eyelid

looking through water

lower back or side pain

nausea

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye

redness, pain, swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid

seeing flashes or sparks of light

seeing floating spots before the eyes

shortness of breath

sore eyes

swelling of the eye

tightness in chest

tunnel vision

vomiting

wheezing

Less Common

Bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)

change in vision not present before treatment

chest pain

confusion

decrease in frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

dizziness or lightheadedness

dry mouth

eye irritation

fatigue

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

headache

hearing loss

inability to speak

increased hunger

increased sensitivity of eyes to light

increased thirst

increased urination

loss of consciousness

numbness or tingling in face, arms, or legs

seeing floaters, veil or curtain appearing across part of vision

seizures

sensation of spinning

severe or sudden headache

slurred speech

stomachache

sweating

temporary blindness

trouble speaking, thinking, or walking

troubled breathing

unexplained weight loss

weakness in arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

Incidence not determined

Difficulty swallowing

fast heartbeat

hives

itching

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

skin rash

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of skin

bruise

difficulty in moving

heartburn

indigestion

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, swelling of skin

muscle pain or stiffness

pain, swelling, or redness in joints

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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