Vitreous injections of pegaptanib sodium triggering allergic reactions

PURPOSE: To report two cases of systemic allergic response associated with vitreous administration of pegaptanib sodium. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Two patients were treated for systemic allergic reactions associated with the administration of pegaptanib sodium. RESULTS: One patient developed a delayed and prolonged anaphylactoid reaction following administration of his first dose of intraocular pegaptanib sodium. The second patient received four injections of pegaptanib over the course of six months. He developed mild lip swelling and prolonged urticarial rash following the first injection, which subsided when pegaptanib was suspended. CONCLUSIONS: Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur in association with vitreous administration of pegaptanib sodium and may be associated with prolonged urticaria and angioedema. Elderly individuals with comorbidities are at higher risk for fatality from severe hypersensitivity reactions in the ambulatory setting. Physicians administering pegaptanib sodium should review emergency response and airway procedures.