Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lucentis (Ranibizumab).
Blood clotting: Treatment with Lucentis (Ranibizumab) should be stopped for people who develop clots that block their blood vessels. Tell your doctor if you have a history of clotting or are over 65 years of age, as you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. People with any of these conditions should discuss with their doctor, how Lucentis (Ranibizumab) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lucentis (Ranibizumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Driving and using machines: Lucentis (Ranibizumab) may cause short term blurred vision, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until your vision is clear.
Eye problems: Lucentis (Ranibizumab) can cause eye problems such as infection of the inside part of the eye, pain or redness, detachment or tear of the retina, or clouding of the lens. If you experience eye pain, increased eye discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or reduced vision, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light, or an increase in the number of small particles in your vision, contact your doctor immediately.
Increased eye pressure: Lucentis (Ranibizumab) can increase the pressure in the eye for a short period of time after it is injected. Your doctor will do tests to make sure the pressure in your eye is not elevated persistently after treatment.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Lucentis (Ranibizumab) to build up in the body. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Lucentis (Ranibizumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lucentis (Ranibizumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vision problems: Lucentis (Ranibizumab) can cause temporary vision problems that may affect your ability to drive or operate machines. If you experience vision problems, do not drive or operate machines until your vision returns to normal.
Pregnancy: Lucentis (Ranibizumab) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If there is a chance that you may become pregnant while receiving Lucentis (Ranibizumab), talk to your doctor about whether you should use effective contraception during treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Lucentis (Ranibizumab), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Lucentis (Ranibizumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lucentis (Ranibizumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Lucentis (Ranibizumab) have not been established for children and adolescents.
