Adult Dosing
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration
- Administer 0.3 mg q6 wks by intravitreous injection into the affected eye
Notes:- Before administration inspect the syringe for particulate matter and discoloration
- Post administration; monitor the patients for elevation in intraocular pressure (IOP) and for endophthalmitis. This may include checking for perfusion of the optic nerve head immediately after the injection, tonometry within 30 minutes following the injection, and biomicroscopy between two and seven days following the injection
- Instruct patients to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis without delay
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Indicated for ophthalmic intravitreal injections only
- Endophthalmitis has been reported following intravitreous injections including those with pegaptanib sodium
- Proper aseptic injection technique should be followed while administering the drug
- Monitor patients during the week following injection to permit early treatment in case of infection
- Increases in intraocular pressure have been reported within 30 minutes of injection. Therefore, monitor IOP as well as the perfusion of the optic nerve head and manage appropriately
Supplemental Patient Information
- Advise patients to promptly inform their ophthalmologist if their eye becomes red, painful, sensitive to light or develops a change in vision following pegaptanib administration, as there may be a risk of endophthalmitis
Pregnancy Category:B
Breastfeeding: Safety Unknown. As per manufacturer's data, it is not known whether pegaptanib is excreted in human milk. However, since many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when administered to nursing women.
