Biosimilar Ranibizumab is an intravitreal injection used to treat various eye conditions by blocking a substance that causes abnormal leaky blood vessels.
| Drug class | Anti-VEGF Biosimilar |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | 0.5 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Razumab, Ranizurel |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Biosimilar Ranibizumab is used for
Biosimilar Ranibizumab is a type of medicine specifically designed to treat several serious eye conditions that affect your retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that sends visual information to your brain. When certain problems occur in the retina, they can lead to significant vision loss.
This medicine is used to treat the following conditions:
- Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD): This is a common cause of vision loss in older adults, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision) and leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): A complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid into the macula, leading to swelling and blurred vision.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): This occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, leading to blood and fluid leaking into the retina, causing swelling and vision loss.
- Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (myopic CNV): In some cases of severe short-sightedness (myopia), abnormal blood vessels can grow under the retina, similar to Wet AMD, causing vision problems.
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): A condition that affects premature babies, where abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina can lead to vision impairment or blindness if not treated.
By treating these conditions, Biosimilar Ranibizumab aims to preserve and sometimes improve your vision, preventing further damage caused by these retinal diseases.
How it works
Biosimilar Ranibizumab works by targeting a specific protein in your body called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). In many eye conditions, an excess of VEGF causes abnormal, fragile blood vessels to grow and leak fluid or blood into the retina. This leakage can damage the delicate cells of your retina, leading to blurred vision or even blindness.
When Biosimilar Ranibizumab is injected into your eye, it acts like a ‘blocker’ for VEGF. By blocking VEGF, the medicine helps to:
- Stop the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels.
- Reduce the leakage from existing abnormal blood vessels.
- Help dry up the fluid and blood that has already leaked into the retina.
This action helps to reduce swelling in the retina, prevent further damage, and in many cases, improve vision. It’s a targeted treatment that addresses the root cause of the leakage and abnormal vessel growth in these specific eye conditions.
How it’s used
Biosimilar Ranibizumab is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the jelly-like substance (vitreous) in the middle of your eye. This procedure is always performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting, under sterile conditions.
The treatment typically begins with a ‘loading phase,’ where you might receive a series of injections over a set period, often monthly. After this initial phase, your retina specialist will determine the ongoing dosing schedule based on your specific condition and how your eye responds to the treatment. This might involve:
- As-needed (PRN) dosing: Injections are given only when there are signs of disease activity or recurrence, as monitored by your doctor.
- Treat-and-extend (T&E) dosing: After the initial loading doses, the time between injections is gradually extended as long as your condition remains stable. If the disease shows signs of activity, the interval might be shortened again.
Your doctor will regularly monitor your eye using various tests, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, to assess the fluid levels and vessel activity in your retina. This helps them decide when and how often you need further injections.
It’s crucial to attend all your scheduled appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for your vision.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Razumab
- Ranizurel
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis).
Precautions & side effects
While Biosimilar Ranibizumab is a vital treatment for many serious eye conditions, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions and potential risks. The most significant warning is related to the procedure itself, as it involves an injection directly into the eye.
Important Warning:
- Biosimilar Ranibizumab is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist.
- After any intravitreal injection, it is crucial to seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision. These can be signs of a serious infection inside the eye, known as endophthalmitis, which requires urgent medical attention to prevent severe vision loss.
General Precautions:
- Always inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies.
- Discuss any allergies you have with your doctor.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort after the injection, do not hesitate to contact your retina specialist or the hospital immediately.
- For patients in India, the availability of biosimilar ranibizumab has significantly improved the affordability of this crucial treatment, making it more accessible to a wider range of patients who need it.
Your retina specialist will discuss all potential risks and benefits with you before starting treatment and will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your safety and the best possible outcome for your vision.
Understanding Your Eye Condition and Treatment
When you are diagnosed with an eye condition like Wet AMD, Diabetic Macular Edema, or Retinal Vein Occlusion, it can be a worrying time. These conditions affect the retina, which is like the ‘film’ in a camera, capturing images and sending them to your brain. When the retina is damaged, your vision can become blurry, distorted, or you might even lose your central vision. The good news is that modern treatments like Biosimilar Ranibizumab are available to help manage these conditions and preserve your eyesight.
These conditions often involve abnormal blood vessels that grow and leak fluid or blood into the retina. This leakage causes swelling and damage to the delicate cells that are essential for clear vision. Biosimilar Ranibizumab works by blocking a specific factor in your body that causes these abnormal vessels to grow and leak. By doing so, it helps to dry up the fluid, reduce swelling, and prevent further damage to your retina, which can significantly improve or stabilise your vision.
It’s important to remember that these are chronic conditions, meaning they often require ongoing management. Your retina specialist will monitor your eyes closely and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to track your progress and adjust your treatment as necessary.
General Eye Care and Hygiene
Maintaining good eye hygiene is always important, especially when undergoing eye treatments. While Biosimilar Ranibizumab is an injection and not an eye drop you administer yourself, general eye care practices contribute to overall eye health and can help prevent complications. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the area around them. Avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously, especially after an injection, as this can cause irritation or introduce germs.
If you use other eye drops or ointments for different conditions, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to apply them. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on when it is safe to resume wearing them after an intravitreal injection. Generally, it’s best to avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days after the procedure to allow your eye to heal and reduce the risk of infection.
Store any other eye medications you might have as directed by their packaging, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never use expired eye drops or share your eye medications with others. If you experience any unusual discharge, redness, or discomfort in your eyes, contact your doctor immediately.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
After receiving an intravitreal injection like Biosimilar Ranibizumab, it is absolutely critical to be vigilant for certain symptoms that could indicate a serious complication. While these complications are rare, prompt attention is vital to prevent severe vision loss. You must seek help IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following:
- Increasing eye pain: Any new or worsening pain in the injected eye.
- Increased redness: Significant and spreading redness of the white part of your eye.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia): Your eye becoming unusually sensitive or painful in bright light.
- Drop in vision: Any sudden or noticeable decrease in your vision in the injected eye.
These symptoms can be signs of a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent treatment. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve; contact your retina specialist or go to the nearest eye emergency department without delay. It is always better to be safe and get your eye checked immediately if you have any concerns after an injection. Your doctor or the hospital staff will be able to assess your condition and provide the necessary care.
Frequently asked questions
What is Biosimilar Ranibizumab used for?
Biosimilar Ranibizumab is used to treat several serious eye conditions that affect the retina, including Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (myopic CNV), and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
How does Biosimilar Ranibizumab work?
It works by blocking a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). In many eye conditions, too much VEGF causes abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak fluid or blood into the retina, damaging vision. By blocking VEGF, the medicine helps to stop these vessels from growing and leaking, reducing swelling and preserving vision.
What are some common Indian brands of Biosimilar Ranibizumab?
Some common Indian brands of Biosimilar Ranibizumab include Razumab and Ranizurel, among others. The availability of biosimilars has made this treatment more affordable in India.
How is Biosimilar Ranibizumab administered?
Biosimilar Ranibizumab is given as an intravitreal injection, which means it is injected directly into the eye. This procedure is always performed by a retina specialist in a hospital setting under sterile conditions. The dosing usually involves an initial loading phase followed by as-needed or treat-and-extend schedules, as determined by your doctor.
Do I need a prescription for Biosimilar Ranibizumab?
Yes, Biosimilar Ranibizumab is a prescription medicine and is for hospital use only. It must be administered by a qualified retina specialist.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of after receiving Biosimilar Ranibizumab?
After the injection, it is crucial to seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision. These can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis) that requires urgent medical attention. Always report any unusual symptoms to your retina specialist without delay.
References
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.