pegaptanib sodium

A drug used for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration, a disorder of the eye affecting the area of greatest visual acuity (the macula). It works by binding to and inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor, and therefore it prevents the proliferation of blood vessels around the macula. Pegaptanib is given by injection into the vitreous fluid of the eye under expert supervision and is available on prescription only.

Side effects:
include raised pressure in the eye, a running nose, headache, and eye pain.

Precautions:
pegaptanib should not be given to people with eye infections, and it should be used with caution in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pressure in the eye should be monitored following the injection.

Proprietary preparation:
Macugen.

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