Considering LUCENTIS® (ranibizumab injection)? Here are some frequently asked questions.
1. How do I get LUCENTIS?
LUCENTIS is available only by prescription, and is given by a retina specialist. If you do not have a retina specialist, you can find one by calling 1-866-LUCENTIS (1-866-582-3684) or click here.
You can also find a retina specialist by asking your ophthalmologist or optometrist for a referral in your area.
Since wet AMD can progress quickly, it is important to get treatment right away. top
2. How is LUCENTIS given?
Given by a retina specialist, LUCENTIS is an injection in your eye. First, your retina specialist will clean your eye thoroughly, and then he or she will numb your eye. You may feel pressure on your eye when receiving an injection. Injections were generally well tolerated in clinical studies. In fact, nearly 95% of patients returned to continue treatment. top
3. How often will I be given LUCENTIS?
In 2 clinical studies, patients were given LUCENTIS on 2 different treatment schedules. Patients were given LUCENTIS monthly in 1 study. In another study, patients were given 4 monthly LUCENTIS injections and then received injections once every 3 months. Treating with LUCENTIS monthly gives you the best chance to improve your vision. Patients that received LUCENTIS monthly for only 4 months saw a gradual loss in their vision (approximately 5 letters or 1 line) over the following 9 months.
Because everyone is different, your retina specialist will regularly monitor your vision and determine the right treatment schedule for you. top
4. Should I have someone drive me to each appointment?
Yes, it is recommended that you have a friend or family member come with you to each retina specialist visit. That's because your eye will have been dilated before your injection. Plus, you may feel more comfortable knowing that you can rely on someone else to drive you
home. top
5. Can I take other medicines with LUCENTIS?
Tell your retina specialist about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. top
6. How do I know if LUCENTIS is working?
Schedule regular visits with your retina specialist so that he or she can chart your progress. You can also track your progress in between visits (using an Amsler grid). By using an Amsler grid once a week, you may be able to see changes to your vision.
Click here for an Amsler grid and instructions for use.
With LUCENTIS, your vision may become less blurred or wavy. You may find it easier to recognize the faces of friends and family members. It is important to discuss any changes to your vision with your retina specialist. top
7. Is there a patient support program for people using LUCENTIS?
Yes. It's called Eye on AMD, and it was created specifically for people with AMD and their loved ones. Since treating wet AMD with LUCENTIS is a commitment to improving your vision—or keeping it the same—Eye on AMD can help you get the most out of treatment. Eye on AMD provides useful tips and resources for people with AMD and their families and loved ones. When you join, you will receive monthly mailings and much more.
The mailings include progress trackers, an Amsler grid, appointment reminders, and information about useful tools for those with low vision.
Call 1-866-LUCENTIS (1-866-582-3684) or click here to sign up. If you and your retina specialist decide to treat with LUCENTIS, you'll also receive helpful and informative materials in your retina specialist's office. These materials were designed to help you get started and understand what to expect with
LUCENTIS. top
8. What if I miss my injection appointment?
If you have to miss an injection, call your retina specialist immediately to schedule a new appointment as soon as possible. In order to make the most of
your LUCENTIS treatment, it is important to receive your injections on a
timely basis. top
9. How long should I take LUCENTIS?
AMD is a chronic condition. Most people need to treat it long term. For best results, you should stay with your LUCENTIS treatment. Based on your progress, your retina specialist will develop a treatment schedule that is right for you. top
10. If I am treating 1 eye with LUCENTIS, am I still at risk of developing wet AMD in the other eye?
Yes. LUCENTIS does not prevent wet AMD from developing in an eye that is not being treated. AMD can occur in 1 eye, or both. If you have AMD in 1 eye, it's important to carefully monitor the other. That's because there's a good chance you will develop AMD in both eyes. Early detection can give you the best chance for success in treating your AMD. Note any changes in your vision and share them with your retina specialist. LUCENTIS has not been tested for use in both eyes at the same time. top
11. What if my insurance changes?
If your insurance changes, call your retina specialist office staff immediately or notify LUCENTIS Access Solutions™ at 1-866-LUCENTIS
12. How much does LUCENTIS cost?
If you are over the age of 65, Medicare and/or supplemental insurance will cover most of the cost of LUCENTIS. However, if you can't afford LUCENTIS, there are assistance programs available. Call 1-866-LUCENTIS
13. What are the side effects of LUCENTIS?
Serious side effects related to the injection procedure were rare. These included serious eye infection, detached retina, and cataract. Other uncommon serious side effects included inflammation inside the eye and increased eye pressure.
The most common eye-related side effects were red eye, eye pain, small specks in vision, the feeling that something is in your eye, and increased tears. The most common non–eye-related side effects were high blood pressure, nose and throat infection, and headache. top
