Macular degeneration refers to an eye condition in which the center of the retina (back portion of the eye) is damaged. MedlinePlus says that signs of macular degeneration include having difficulty reading and having problems seeing details. There are drugs available to help manage these symptoms.
Ranibizumab
Ranibizumab, commonly sold as Lucentis, is a medication used to manage macular degeneration. According to Drugs.com, this medication works to prevent blood vessels from developing underneath the retina. A leakage of fluid and blood can occur if blood vessels grow here. Ranibizumab is an eye injection administered one time every month.
Ranibizumab's less concerning side effects include runny nose, cough and dry, itchy or watery eyes. This drug's additional effects include blurry vision, joint or muscle pain, and sore throat. Contact a doctor when ranibizumab's serious effects remain for greater than a week.
Ranibizumab's serious side effects include eye pain, redness or irritation, eye swelling, and light sensitivity. This medication may also lead to seeing flashes of light, sudden headache, confusion, weakness or numbness. Call a physician when ranibizumab's serious effects develop.
Signs of a ranibizumab overdose include eye pain and visual problems. Go to the emergency room when this occurs.
Pegatanib
Pegatanib, commonly sold as Macugen, is another drug that is used to treat macular degeneratation. Drugs.com says that pegatanib reduces the levels of protein that lead to this disease and blindness. Pegatanib is given as an eye injection every six weeks.
Pegatanib's less serious side effects include dizziness, headache, joint pain and burning urination. This medication can also lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and cough. Inform a doctor when pegatanib's less concerning side effects last for greater than five days.
Pegatanib's serious side effects include eye redness, pain or irritation, discharge from the eyes, and trouble seeing. Sometimes, this medication can lead to light sensitivity. Notify a doctor when pegatanib's serious side effects develop.
Avoid this medication if your eye is infected, as it can worsen the condition.
Verteporfin
Verteporfin, commonly sold as Visudyne, is used to treat macular degeneration. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as photosensitizing agents, and light exposure activates it to seal leaking blood vessels in the eye. It is available as an injection that is given once. After three months, your doctor evaluates whether or not another dose is necessary.
MedlinePlus says that verteporfin's less concerning effects include dry or itchy eyes, constipation, nausea, decreased hearing, back pain and pain, and redness or swelling at the injection site. Inform a physician when verteporfin leads to these effects.
Verteporfin's serious side effects include chest pain, blurry vision, sweating, dizziness, shortness of breath, flushing, pink eye and seeing flashes of light. Other side effects of this medication include shortness of breath, itching, fatigue and reduction in vision. Call a physician when verteporfin's serious side effects develop.
This medication may interact with such drugs as minocycline, tetracycline, nicardipine and verapamil.
