Lucentis (ranibizumab) is a prescription drug used to treat certain eye conditions. It comes as a liquid solution for injection into your eye by an ophthalmologist. The typical dosing frequency is once per month.

Lucentis injection is used in adults to treat:

The active ingredient in Lucentis is ranibizumab. Lucentis is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells. It belongs to a group of drugs called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors.

This article describes the dosages of Lucentis, as well as its strengths and how it’s given. To learn more about Lucentis, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the dosage and dosing frequency for the conditions Lucentis is approved to treat.

What’s Lucentis’s form?

Lucentis comes as a liquid solution in prefilled syringes. It’s given as an injection into your eye by an ophthalmologist.

What strengths does Lucentis come in?

Lucentis comes in two strengths: 0.3 milligrams (mg) or 0.5 mg of the drug in 0.05 milliliters (mL) of solution.

What are the usual dosages of Lucentis?

Your Lucentis dosage and dosing frequency depend on the eye condition the drug is being used to treat. The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your eye doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for wet AMD

The typical Lucentis dosage for adults with wet AMD is one 0.5 mg/0.05 mL injection into the eye every 28 days. In some cases, your eye doctor may give your injections on a different dosing schedule. However, according to the manufacturer of Lucentis, the most effective dosing is once monthly (every 28 days).

Alternate Lucentis dosing schedule for wet AMD:

  • one dose every 3 months and then less often based on regular eye exams
  • one dose every 3 months after you receive four monthly doses

If you have questions about your dosage or dosing schedule, talk with your eye doctor.

Dosage for macular edema after retinal vein occlusion

For adults with macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, the typical dosage of Lucentis is one 0.5 mg/0.05 mL injection into the eye every 28 days.

Dosage for diabetic macular edema

The Lucentis dosage for adults with diabetic macular edema is one 0.3 mg/0.05 mL injection into the eye every 28 days.

Dosage for diabetic retinopathy

The Lucentis dosage for diabetic retinopathy in adults is one 0.3 mg/0.05 mL injection into the eye every 28 days.

Dosage for mCNV

The Lucentis dosage for adults with mCNV is one 0.5 mg/0.05 mL injection into the eye every 28 days for up to 3 months. Your eye doctor will check your eyes after treatment and may repeat doses as needed.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss your eye condition and your dosing schedule with you.

How Lucentis is given

Lucentis comes as a liquid solution in single-use prefilled syringes. It’s injected into your eye by an ophthalmologist according to a dosing schedule (typically once every 28 days).

Your ophthalmologist will explain the procedure for Lucentis injections. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from these eye appointments.

Visit the manufacturer’s website or talk with your eye doctor to learn more about Lucentis injections.

Is Lucentis used long term?

Yes, Lucentis is usually a long-term treatment for certain eye conditions. If you and your eye doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely receive it long term. However, Lucentis for mCNV is typically a short-term treatment.

If you have questions about your dosage and dosing frequency for Lucentis, talk with your ophthalmologist to learn more.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Lucentis’s dosage.

Is the dosage of Lucentis similar to that of Eylea?

Lucentis (ranibizumab) and Eylea (aflibercept) are both approved to treat some similar eye conditions, including wet AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema. Both come as a liquid solution for injection into your eye by an ophthalmologist. And both are typically given once per month for certain eye conditions.

However, the dose, strength, and active ingredient for each drug differs. Your eye doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them to learn more about how these drugs compare.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lucentis?

If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of Lucentis, call your ophthalmologist’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll adjust your dosing schedule as needed.

If you need help remembering your appointments, try downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.