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Ranibizumab: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Ranibizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor administered by intravitreal injection.

Forms:Injection

About Ranibizumab

Indications of Ranibizumab

Ranibizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor administered by intravitreal injection. Its indications, classified by strength of evidence, are:

Established / approved indications

  • Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD): to reduce abnormal choroidal neovascularization and vision loss.
  • Diabetic macular edema (DME): to reduce macular thickening and improve visual acuity.
  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR), including in patients with DME: to reduce progression of retinopathy.
  • Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) (branch or central RVO): to reduce edema and improve vision.
  • Myopic choroidal neovascularization (myopic CNV): typically as a short course of monthly injections.
  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants, using a lower pediatric-specific dose, under specialist ophthalmology supervision.

Ranibizumab is used only for these retinal/ocular vascular conditions; it has no approved systemic (oral/IV) indication.

Dosage & Administration of Ranibizumab

Ranibizumab must be administered only by a qualified ophthalmologist experienced in intravitreal injections, under aseptic (sterile) conditions, typically in a controlled clinical setting with appropriate anesthesia and periocular antisepsis.

IndicationTypical adult doseFrequency
Wet AMD0.5 mg (0.05 mL) intravitreallyMonthly; may be extended after initial loading doses based on response, with regular monitoring
Diabetic macular edema (DME) / diabetic retinopathy0.5 mg (0.05 mL) intravitreallyMonthly, per physician assessment
Macular edema after RVO0.5 mg (0.05 mL) intravitreallyMonthly
Myopic choroidal neovascularization0.5 mg (0.05 mL) intravitreallyMonthly, generally up to 3 initial doses, then as needed
Retinopathy of prematurity (pediatric)0.2 mg (0.02 mL) per eyeSingle dose per eye, repeat only per specialist assessment

The exact dosing interval and duration are individualized by the treating ophthalmologist based on visual acuity, anatomical response (e.g. optical coherence tomography findings), and disease activity. See Dosage and Administration sections below for further detail; see Precautions and Warnings for injection-related risks.

Side Effects of Ranibizumab

Side effects of Ranibizumab may relate either to the intravitreal injection procedure itself or to the drug's pharmacological effect.

Common

  • Conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, floaters, increased intraocular pressure
  • Vitreous floaters/detachment, blurred vision, dry eye, visual disturbance
  • Cataract (progression), conjunctival hyperemia

Serious (uncommon but important)

  • Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
  • Retinal detachment or tear
  • Traumatic cataract from injection
  • Sustained increase in intraocular pressure
  • Arterial thromboembolic events (e.g. stroke, myocardial infarction) – small increased risk

Patients should seek urgent ophthalmologic review for eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes after a Ranibizumab injection.

Contraindications of Ranibizumab

Ranibizumab is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Ranibizumab or any component of the formulation.
  • Ocular or periocular infection (active).
  • Active intraocular inflammation.

These are true absolute contraindications; other concerns such as thromboembolic risk or intraocular pressure changes are precautions rather than contraindications and are discussed in Precautions and Warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ranibizumab

What is Ranibizumab used for?

Ranibizumab is an anti-VEGF injection used to treat retinal vascular conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema after retinal vein occlusion, myopic choroidal neovascularization, and retinopathy of prematurity in infants.

How is Ranibizumab given?

Ranibizumab is given only as an intravitreal injection directly into the eye by a qualified ophthalmologist under sterile conditions. It is never taken by mouth or self-administered.

What are the main risks of the Ranibizumab injection procedure?

The injection procedure carries a risk of endophthalmitis (eye infection) and retinal detachment. Patients should seek urgent medical attention if they notice eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes after receiving Ranibizumab.

Can Ranibizumab be used during pregnancy?

Data in pregnant women are limited. Ranibizumab should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; a physician should be consulted before use.

Is Ranibizumab safe for children?

Ranibizumab is approved for retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants at a specific lower dose given by a specialist. For other pediatric uses, safety and efficacy have not been established.

What happens if too much Ranibizumab is given or exposure is excessive?

Overdose is uncommon since Ranibizumab is administered by a physician in a controlled setting, but if it is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought so intraocular pressure and vision can be evaluated and monitored.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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