pegaptanib sodium injection
pegaptanib sodium injection
Pharmacologic class: Selective vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist
Therapeutic class: Ophthalmic agent
Pregnancy risk category B
Action
Binds to extracellular VEGF, which contributes to progression of neovascular age-related macular degeneration; this action suppresses pathologic neovascularization and macular degeneration progression.
Availability
Solution for ophthalmic injection: 0.3 mg/90-microliter single-dose syringe
Indications and dosages
➣ Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration
Adults: 0.3 mg by intravitreous injection into affected eye once every 6 weeks
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
• Ocular or periocular infection
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children (safety and efficacy not established).
Administration
• Administer only by ophthalmic intravitreous injection under controlled aseptic conditions.
• Inspect drug for particulates and discoloration before administering.
• Attach threaded plastic plunger rod to rubber stopper inside syringe barrel. Don't pull back on plunger.
Adverse reactions
CNS: dizziness, headache, vertigo
CV: hypertension, carotid artery occlusion, chest pain, transient ischemic attack, cerebrovascular accident
EENT: anterior chamber inflammation, blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal edema, eye discharge, eye inflammation or swelling, eye irritation or pain, increased intraocular pressure, ocular discomfort, punctate keratitis, reduced visual acuity, visual disturbance, vitreous disorder or hemorrhage, vitreous floaters or opacities, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, photop-sia, allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival edema, corneal abrasion, corneal deposits, corneal epithelial disorder, endophthalmitis, eyelid irritation, mei-bomianitis, mydriasis, periorbital hematoma, retinal edema, hearing loss
GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia
GU: urinary tract infection, urinary retention
Metabolic: diabetes mellitus
Musculoskeletal: arthritis, bone spur
Respiratory: bronchitis, pleural effusion
Skin: contact dermatitis, contusion
Other: anaphylaxis, including angioedema (rare)
Interactions
None
Patient monitoring
• Watch for increased intraocular pressure, especially within 30 minutes of injection. Be prepared to intervene appropriately.
• Monitor patient for endophthalmitis during week after injection to promote early detection and treatment.
Patient teaching
See Instruct patient to contact ophthalmologist immediately if treated eye becomes red, light-sensitive, or painful or if vision change occurs.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions.