Macugen Injury Lawyers

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Macugen (pegaptanib sodium) to treat neovascular, or wet, age-related macular degeneration in December 2004.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss among Americans 65 years of age and older. And although the wet version is less common than the dry non-neovascular form of the condition, the wet form is more damaging. The dry form can also progress to the wet form.

The wet form of macular degeneration involves new blood vessels that grow beneath the retina and leak fluid and blood. The leakage permanently damages light-sensitive retinal cells. These then die off, creating blind spots in central vision.

Macugen, which is marketed in the United States by OSI Pharmaceuticals, and outside of the United States by Pfizer, is given by injection into one eye at a time, usually every six weeks. It works by binding to a protein that plays a major role in increased permeability and the formation of new blood vessels.

Unfortunately, reports of anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions, including angioedema, have prompted Pfizer and the FDA to notify ophthalmologic and other healthcare professionals, including surgical service supervisors, of changes to the adverse post-marketing events, precautions, contraindications, and dosage and administrations sections on the medications label. Healthcare professionals are urged to evaluate a patient's medical history for hypersensitivity reactions to pegaptanib prior to prescribing the drug.

Patients using Macugen are also urged to get immediate emergency medical attention if they experience any of the following adverse reactions:

• Any sign of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat.
• eye pain, irritation, or redness
• discharge or drainage from the eyes
• increased sensitivity to light
• any vision changes

Other side effects associated with using Macugen include:

• coughing
• upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• headache and/or dizziness
• joint pain
• burning or painful urination

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of having been administered Macugen, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified pharmaceutical injury attorney for an evaluation of your case.