Pegataptanib Sodium, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: macular degeneration therapy; selective vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist

Generic and brand names: pegataptanib sodium, injection; Macugen

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shot) to treat age-related macular degeneration (an eye disease). It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• glaucoma.

Also tell your provider if you have had an eye infection recently.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

These shots are given by your healthcare provider once every 6 weeks. Keep all appointments for these shots.

What should I watch out for?

In the days after you receive this medicine, you are at risk for eye infection or inflammation. If the eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful or you notice a change in vision, contact your eye doctor right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe vision changes; red, swollen, or painful eyes.

Other: Headache, blurred vision, dry eyes, itching eyes, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, cough.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.