Macugen and Nonbac

• Generic Name: pegaptanib ophthalmic
• Dosage Forms: injection, solution
• Other Brand Names: Macugen

Macugen (pegaptanib) is made from a human antibody fragment. It works by keeping new blood vessels from forming under the retina (a sensory membrane that lines the inside of the eye). In people with a certain type of eye disease, new blood vessels grow under the retina where they leak blood and fluid. This is known as the "wet form" of macular degeneration.

Macugen is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration.

Macugen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Capacet, Esgic, Fioricet, Margesic, Medigesic, Orbivan, Repan, Vanatol LQ, Zebutal, Esgic-Plus, Arcet, Isocet, Pharmagesic, Anoquan, Two-Dyne, Tenake, Anolor 300, Femcet, Geone, Tencet, Triad, Fiorpap, Dolmar, Endolor, Ezol, Ide-cet, G-1, Minotal, Mygracet, Pacaps, Alagesic, Americet, Nonbac, Dolgic LQ, Dolgic Plus, Vanatol S, Alagesic LQ

Butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine combination is used to relieve symptoms of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches.

Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates. Barbiturates act in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their effects.

Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including liver damage.

When butalbital is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. However, caffeine can also cause physical dependence when it is used for a long time. This may lead to withdrawal (rebound) headaches when you stop taking it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.