Lucentis (ranibizumab)
Also known as Ranibizumab Injection, Lucentis Eye Injection, Anti-VEGF Injection, Wet AMD Injection
Bottom Line
Lucentis is a ranibizumab injection placed inside the eye by a retina specialist. It treats several retinal diseases that leak fluid or grow abnormal vessels.
Lucentis is the brand name for ranibizumab, a medicine injected into the vitreous gel inside the eye. It blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a signal that can make abnormal vessels leak or grow 1.
It is used for wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular swelling from retinal vein occlusion, and myopic choroidal neovascularization 1.
Ranibizumab is one of several retina injections in this drug class. Studies have compared ranibizumab with bevacizumab and aflibercept for wet age-related macular degeneration 2.
Cost And Insurance
Lucentis is expensive without coverage. Medicare, commercial insurance, prior authorization, and assistance programs can change the final cost.
Ask the retina office to check benefits before treatment when time allows. Urgent retina disease may need treatment before paperwork is fully settled.
Conditions Treated
Lucentis is used for wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular swelling after retinal vein occlusion, and myopic choroidal neovascularization.
The retina specialist uses exam findings and imaging to decide whether ranibizumab, another injection, laser, or observation is best 1.
The Injection Visit
The eye is numbed and cleaned before the injection. A small holder keeps the lids open.
Most people feel pressure more than sharp pain. The office gives instructions about warning signs before you leave.
Risks And Side Effects
Common effects include red spot on the white of the eye, irritation, floaters, and temporary blurry vision.
Rare but serious risks include infection inside the eye, retinal detachment, eye pressure rise, and inflammation. Call urgently for pain or vision loss 1.
Common Questions About Lucentis
Next Steps
- 1Ask your retina specialist why Lucentis was chosen over other injection options.
- 2Confirm insurance coverage and any prior authorization needs.
- 3Keep every imaging visit, even if vision feels stable.
- 4Call urgently after an injection for worsening pain, severe redness, or vision drop.
- 5Use home vision checks if your retina specialist recommends them.
Find specialists for Lucentis (ranibizumab)
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Lucentis (ranibizumab).
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