Treating With MACUGEN^® (pegaptanib sodium injection)

MACUGEN is dosed 0.3 mg every 6 weeks by intravitreous injection to achieve treatment benefits demonstrated in clinical studies. It is supplied
as a single-use, prefilled 1-mL glass syringe. Each dose delivers 0.3 mg of MACUGEN in a nominal volume of 90 µL. MACUGEN should be kept refrigerated at 2º to 8ºC (36º to 46ºF).¹

Dosage and Administration of MACUGEN

MACUGEN should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Administration of the syringe contents involves attaching the threaded plastic plunger rod to the rubber stopper inside the barrel of the syringe. Do not pull back on the plunger. The syringe needle cap is then removed to allow administration of the product.¹

The injection procedure should be carried out under controlled aseptic conditions, which includes the use of sterile gloves, a sterile drape, and a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent). Adequate anesthesia and a broad-spectrum microbicide should be given prior to the injection.¹

Following the injection, patients should be monitored for elevation in intraocular pressure and for endophthalmitis. Monitoring may consist of a check for perfusion of the optic nerve head immediately after the injection, tonometry within 30 minutes following the injection, and biomicroscopy between two and seven days following the injection. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis without delay.¹

No special dosage modification is required for any of the populations that have been studied (i.e., gender, elderly).¹

The safety and efficacy of MACUGEN therapy administered to both eyes concurrently have not been studied.¹

Reference:

1. MACUGEN^® (pegaptanib sodium injection). Prescribing Information. Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., New York, NY, and Pfizer Inc, New York, NY.