Lucentis Side Effects

Generic name: ranibizumab ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 27, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Lucentis Side Effects associated with ranibizumab ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Lucentis.

Applies to ranibizumab ophthalmic: intraocular implant, intraocular solution.

Other dosage forms:

• intraocular solution

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intraocular route (implant)

Warning: Endophthalmitis. The ranibizumab implant has been associated with a 3-fold higher rate of endophthalmitis than monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab.

Many of these events were associated with conjunctival retractions or erosions.

Appropriate conjunctiva management and early detection with surgical repair of conjunctival retractions or erosions may reduce the risk of endophthalmitis.

In clinical trials, 2% of patients receiving a ranibizumab implant experienced at least one episode of endophthalmitis.

Serious side effects of Lucentis

Along with its needed effects, ranibizumab ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Lucentis) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ranibizumab ophthalmic:

More common

• blindness
• bloody eye
• blurred vision or loss of vision
• decreased vision or other changes in vision
• disturbed color perception
• dizziness
• double vision
• dry eye
• eye pain
• fainting
• feeling of having something in the eye
• halos around lights
• headache
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• red, sore eyes
• redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
• redness, swelling, or itching of the eyelid
• seeing flashes or sparks of light
• seeing floating spots before the eyes, or a veil or curtain appearing across a part of vision
• sensitivity of the eye to light
• tearing of the eyes
• tunnel vision
• watering of the eyes

Less common

• body aches or pain
• chest pain or tightness
• chills
• cough
• difficulty or trouble breathing
• dry mouth
• fainting
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• head congestion
• hoarseness, loss of voice, or other voice changes
• loss of consciousness
• muscle aches and pains
• pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
• painful blisters on the trunk of the body
• pale skin
• runny or stuffy nose
• severe, sudden headache
• shivering
• slow wound healing
• slurred speech
• sneezing
• sore throat
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
• sweating
• trouble sleeping
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of Lucentis

Some side effects of ranibizumab ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• back pain
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• difficulty with moving
• muscle stiffness
• swelling or redness in the joints

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ranibizumab ophthalmic: intravitreal solution.

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Conjunctival hemorrhage (up to 74%), eye pain (up to 35%), vitreous floaters (up to 27%), increased intraocular pressure (up to 24%), vitreous detachment (up to 21%), intraocular inflammation (up to 18%), vision disturbance/blurred vision (up to 18%), cataract (up to 17%), foreign body sensation in eyes (up to 16%), eye irritation (up to 15%), increased lacrimation (up to 14%), blepharitis (up to 12%), dry eye (up to 12%), eye pruritus (up to 12%), ocular hyperemia (up to 11%), maculopathy (up to 11%), retinal disorder (10%), vitreitis, retinal hemorrhage
• Common (1% to 10%): Retinal degeneration, retinal detachment, retinal tear, retinal pigment epithelium detachment, retinal pigment epithelium tear, reduced visual acuity, vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous disorder, uveitis, iritis, iridocyclitis, subcapsular cataract, punctuate keratitis, corneal abrasion, anterior chamber flare, eye hemorrhage, conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, eye discharge, photopsia, photophobia, ocular discomfort, eyelid edema, eyelid pain, conjunctival hyperemia, posterior capsule opacification, endophthalmitis, injection site hemorrhage
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blindness, endophthalmitis, hypopyon, hyphema, keratopathy, iris adhesion, corneal deposits, corneal edema, corneal striae, injection site pain, injection site irritation, abnormal sensation in eye, eyelid irritation^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis (up to 16%), bronchitis (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral neuropathy, stroke^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (up to 11%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (up to 11%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Arterial thromboembolic events (up to 10.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, atrial fibrillation^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Immunoreactivity, seasonal allergy, allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, pruritus, erythema)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypercholesterolemia^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza, would healing complications, fatal events
• Frequency not reported: Non-ocular hemorrhage^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Renal failure, chronic renal failure^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What are biosimilar drugs and how do they compare to biologics?
• What are anti-VEGF drugs (VEGF inhibitors)?
• How many biosimilars have been approved in the United States?

Further information

Lucentis side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer