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Ranibizumab

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Ranibizumab is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody fragment administered via intravitreal injection to treat ocular conditions involving abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the retina. It is primarily used for neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.

Quick summary

A monoclonal antibody fragment that inhibits VEGF to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in retinal diseases.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
S01LA04
RxNorm
595060
Generic
Ranibizumab
Class
atc-s01
Brands
Susvimo, Byooviz, Cimerli, Nufymco, Lucentis
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection, prefilled syringe
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)intravitreal injection
Usual dose
0.5 mg monthly
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once monthly
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)intravitreal injection
Usual dose
0.5 mg monthly
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once monthly
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)intravitreal injection
Usual dose
0.5 mg monthly
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once monthly
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single intravitreal dose significantly exceeding 0.5 mg that may cause serious ocular toxicity
Chronic overdose: cumulative dosing above recommended regimen may increase risk of systemic VEGF inhibition and ocular complications
Immediate actions
immediate ophthalmologic evaluation, monitoring of intraocular pressure, vitrectomy if necessary
Antidote
no specific antidote exists(supportive care and monitoring are primary management)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

7 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 month after last dose

Monitor

monitor infant for adverse effects

⚠

geriatric

elderly over 65
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use with caution and monitor closely for adverse reactions

Monitor

regular ophthalmic examinations and monitoring for systemic effects

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

pediatric under 18
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

not recommended for use in pediatric patients

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✓

renal_impairment

mild to severe
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

no dosage adjustment required for patients with renal impairment

Monitor

monitor renal function periodically

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild to severe
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

no dosage adjustment required for patients with hepatic impairment

Monitor

monitor hepatic function periodically

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2006

Lucentis was first approved by FDA

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Anti-VEGF agent

Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion

FDA-approved indications

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Binds to VEGF-A isoforms, preventing receptor activation

Pharmacological mechanism

Treats neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, and myopic choroidal neovascularization.

Binds to and neutralizes active forms of VEGF-A (including VEGF110), preventing VEGF from interacting with its receptors on endothelial cells. This inhibits neovascularization and reduces vascular leakage in the retina.

Administered as an intravitreal injection by a healthcare professional. Potential risks include endophthalmitis, increased intraocular pressure, and retinal detachment. Patients should be monitored regularly. Contraindicated in patients with ocular infections or hypersensitivity to the drug.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy