Macugen May Cause Angiodema. Macugen (pegaptanib sodium), manufactured by Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Pfizer, Inc., is prescribed to treat adults with an eye problem called the wet form (neovascular) of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration results in vision loss that can lead to blindness. ‘Macugen’ was granted FDA approval on December 17, 2004. It is administered every six weeks via injection into the eye. On April 7, 2006, Eyetech, Pfizer and the FDA notified ophthalmologic healthcare professionals, surgical service supervisors and other healthcare professionals of important changes in the approved product labeling for ‘Macugen’, including changes to the contraindications, precautions, adverse post-marketing events, and dosage and administrations sections on the label.
Macugen Side Effects & Reactions
There have been rare reports of anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions including angioedema following the administration of Macugen along with various medications administered as part of the injection preparation. Angiodema is a reaction that causes swelling around the eyes, lips and often genitals, hands and feet. It is recommended that healthcare professionals evaluate the patient’s medical history for hypersensitivity reactions to Macugen prior to prescribing the drug.
About Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects the retina, which is the back part of your eye. The center of the retina contains the macula. The macula allows you to see objects straight ahead, which is called central vision. Macular degeneration damages the macula, which causes you to lose your central vision. Wet AMD results from the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels below the retina. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs in people over 60. Today, at least 15 million people in the United States have this health problem.
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