How Does Ranibizumab Work?
Wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the back of the eye. The blood vessels grow behind the retina, underneath the macula (a part of the retina that is essential for detailed vision). These new blood vessels are not normal and are weak and prone to leaking. Leaking causes damage to the macula, which causes "wet"
macular degeneration.
Ranibizumab is part of an antibody that is designed to bind to and inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A). VEGF-A is a naturally occurring protein that encourages the growth of new blood vessels (including abnormal blood vessels). By binding to VEGF-A, ranibizumab prevents this protein from encouraging new blood vessel growth. This helps to slow down (or even reverse) vision loss and macular damage.
Is Ranibizumab Used in Children?
Ranibizumab is not approved for use in children. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
Is Ranibizumab Used for Off-Label Reasons?
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend ranibizumab for treating something other than macular degeneration. Currently, there are no universally accepted
off-label uses of ranibizumab.
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