Type of medicine: macular degeneration therapy; selective vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist
Generic and brand names: pegataptanib sodium, injection; Macugen
This medicine is given by injection (shot) to treat age-related “wet†macular degeneration (an eye disease). It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your provider if you have had an eye infection recently.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
These shots are given by your healthcare provider once every 6 weeks. Keep all appointments for these shots.
In the days after you receive this medicine, you are at risk for eye infection or inflammation. If the eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful or you notice a change in vision, contact your eye doctor right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe vision changes; red, swollen, or painful eyes; change in how much or how often you urinate.
Other: Headache, blurred vision, dry eyes, itching eyes, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
