Pegaptanib (Intraocular)

Pegaptanib is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a condition that affects the retina of the eye, leading to blurry vision or blindness.

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

Your doctor will want to check how you are doing at regular visits, especially in the first few weeks that you take this medicine.

Serious eye problems may happen after using this medicine. Contact your doctor right away if your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, or if you notice a change in your vision several days after your treatment.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking it versus the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, including allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, check the label or package ingredients closely.

Pediatric

There have not been enough studies to determine how pegaptanib affects children. Its safety and effectiveness for children have not been established.

Geriatric

Current studies have not shown any specific problems for older adults that would limit the use of pegaptanib in this age group.

Breast Feeding

There are not enough studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits against the possible risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together, while others may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In those cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may impact the use of this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Eye infection—Pegaptanib should NOT be used if you have an infection in or around the eye.

• Glaucoma—This medicine may raise eye pressure after injection. Your doctor will check your eye pressure during the week following each injection.

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

In the U.S.

• Macugen

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