Pegaptanib Injection

Conditions Treated

Pegaptanib injection is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD; an ongoing disease of the eye that causes loss of the ability to see straight ahead and may make it more difficult to read, drive, or perform other daily activities). Pegaptanib injection is in a class of medications called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists. It works by blocking abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye(s) that may cause vision loss in people with wet AMD.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Pegaptanib injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• eye discharge
• eye discomfort
• diarrhea
• nausea
• dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. If you cannot reach your doctor, call a different eye doctor or get medical treatment right away:

• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• eye redness or pain
• sensitivity to light
• change or decrease in vision
• blurred vision
• floaters in the eye
• seeing flashes of light
• swelling of the eyelid

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Pegaptanib injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into the eye by a doctor. It is usually given in a doctor's office once every 6 weeks. Before you receive a pegaptanib injection, your doctor will clean your eye to prevent infection and numb your eye to reduce discomfort during the injection. You may feel pressure in your eye when the medication is injected. After your injection, your doctor will need to examine your eyes before you leave the office. Pegaptanib controls wet AMD, but does not cure it. Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well pegaptanib works for you. Talk to your doctor about how long you should continue treatment with pegaptanib.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before receiving pegaptanib injection, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pegaptanib or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. tell your doctor if you have an infection in or around the eye. Your doctor may tell you that you should not receive pegaptanib injection. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, high blood pressure, a heart attack, or a stroke. talk to your doctor about testing your vision at home during your treatment. Check your vision in both eyes as directed by your doctor, and call your doctor if there are any changes in your vision.