Products
Pegaptanib was commercially available as a solution for injection (Macugen). It was approved in many countries in 2006 and has since been discontinued.
Structure and properties
Pegaptanib is an aptamer and a pegylated and modified oligonucleotide.
Effects
Pegaptanib (ATC S01LA03) binds to extracellular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibits its activity. VEGF plays an important role in new vessel formation, vascular permeability, and inflammatory processes.
Indications
For the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The solution for injection is administered directly into the vitreous humor of the eye (intravitreal) every six weeks.
Contraindications
Pegaptanib is contraindicated in hypersensitivity and infection around or in the eye. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
There are no known interactions with other drugs.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include ocular pain, corneal tipping, mouches volantes, vitreous haze, anterior chamber irritation, increased intraocular pressure, other local ocular side effects, and headache.
