Macugen and Weed
Edited by Hugh Soames
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Macugen and Weed
Most people who consume marijuana do so for its mood-altering and relaxing abilities. Weed gives people a high and allows them to relax. However, heavy consumption of weed can cause unwanted results. It can increase the anxiety and depression a person experiences, and it can interact with certain other drugs including Macugen. It is important to remember that interactions do occur with all types of drugs, to a great or lesser extent and this article details the interactions of mixing Macugen and Weed.
Mixing Macugen and Weed
Pegaptanib sodium injection (brand name Macugen) is an anti-angiogenic medicine for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It was discovered by NeXstar Pharmaceuticals (which merged with Gilead Sciences in 1999) and licensed in 2000 to EyeTech Pharmaceuticals, now OSI Pharmaceuticals, for late stage development and marketing in the United States. Gilead Sciences continues to receive royalties from the drugs licensing. Outside the US pegaptanib is marketed by Pfizer. Approval was granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2004.
Pegaptanib is a pegylated anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) aptamer, a single strand of nucleic acid that binds with specificity to a particular target. Pegaptanib specifically binds to the 165 isoform of VEGF, a protein that plays a critical role in angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and increased permeability (leakage from blood vessels), two of the primary pathological processes responsible for the vision loss associated with neovascular AMD.
Pegaptanib works as an antagonist to VEGF, which when injected into the eye blocks the actions of VEGF. This then reduces the growth of the blood vessels located within the eye and works to control the leakage and swelling.
Pegaptanib is administered in a 0.3 mg dose once every six weeks by intravitreal injection. An intravitreal injection is one that is administered directly into the eye, more specifically, into the vitreous humour, or the jelly-like fluid within the eye. Pegaptanib has to be administered to the designated patient by an ophthalmologist in a sterile environment. Pegaptanib is marketed as a pre-filled syringe; however the syringe contains more than the recommended dose. Therefore, the eye care professionals must adjust the dose to the recommended amount before injections.
Pegaptanib underwent several preclinical studies in order to determine its safety and efficacy before moving into clinical trials.
Toxicology studies were conducted in rhesus monkeys, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and rabbits. After the administration of the aptamer into rhesus monkeys, no toxic effects where exhibited. It was also noted that there was no change in intraocular pressure and no immune response was taken against the API[clarification needed]. Aside from the intravitreal administration of the pegaptanib, it was also found that subcutaneous and intravenous routes of administration were also effective at maintaining the desired blood plasma concentration. In rats, pegaptanib was successful at blocking VEGF-mediated vascular leakage almost entirely. The sustained release of the drug was tested in rabbits. It was found that using poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres, which encapsulated the drug, the minimum dosing frequency was 6 weeks to maintain the desired pharmacological effect. This dosing interval is what carried over into the clinical trials and is still maintained today.
Phase I studies began in 1998 under Eyetech Pharmaceuticals. This study was conducted in 15 patients with wet AMD. Doses ranging from 0.25 to 30 mg per eye were injected into the eye, and patients were monitored for a period of three months. The results showed that 80% of the patients had stabilization or improvement, and 26.7% were showing improvement with no signs of toxicity.
After the success of the Phase I study, Eyetech completed a Phase II study focusing on multiple injections. In this study, 21 patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to AMD were given multiple intravitreal injections. Due to the presence of subfoveal CNV some patients were given a secondary treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) for this condition. Results showed that in 87.5% of patients who received only pegaptanib, vision stabilized or improved. In patients who received PDT alone only 50.5% saw a slight improvement. However, when the two therapies were administered together, the level of improvement reached 60% or better.
After the success of the Phase I and Phase II trials, the FDA granted fast track designation for the Phase III clinical trials. In these trials, pegaptanib was studied in two identical controlled, double-blind randomized clinical studies that lasted for approximately two years each. For this study approximately 1200 patients with neovascular (“wet”) age-related macular degeneration were randomly put into groups to receive either a placebo treatment or the designated 0.3 mg, 1 mg, or 3 mg of pegaptanib administered intravitreal injections every 6 weeks. Of the 1200 patients enrolled in the study approximately 892 received the varying doses of pegaptanib and approximately 298 received the placebo injection. At the end of the first year, patients continuing the study were re-randomized for the second year.
The primary efficacy endpoint for the study was denoted by the proportion of the patients who lost less than 15 letters of visual acuity from their assessed baseline over the 54-week assessment.
Results of the first year showcased promising results for pegaptanib. In groups treated with the 0.3 mg dose at the primary efficacy endpoint, experienced a statistically significant result.
Also, on average, pegaptanib 0.3 mg treated patients as well as the placebo patients continued to experience vision loss. However, the rate of vision decline was significantly lower than that of patients with the placebo treatment.
Moreover, it was also determined that the second year of treatment was less effective than the first year. Results of the primary efficacy endpoint are:
Pegaptanib (pegaptanib sodium injection) has been approved in: United States (2004)
Europe (2005)
Brazil (2005) Canada (2006)
Pending: Australia (Filed in 2006)
Common side effects of pegaptanib include:
The average cost of pegaptanib was approximately $5,300 per 5 syringes in the US. In 2004, when pegaptanib was approved it was a novel drug in its target and treatment for the treatment of AMD. However, the last large market sales occurred in 2010. Shortly after in 2011, sales began to decline due to the development of a more effective treatment, ranibizumab (a monoclonal antibody, Novartis) being developed and sold, and the off-label use of the cheaper Bevacizumab.
Research has found that anxiety is one of the leading symptoms created by marijuana in users, and that there is a correlation between Macugen and Weed and an increase in anxiety.
Anyone mixing Macugen and weed is likely to experience side effects. This happens with all medications whether weed or Macugen is mixed with them. Side effects can be harmful when mixing Macugen and weed. Doctors are likely to refuse a patient a Macugen prescription if the individual is a weed smoker or user. Of course, this could be due to the lack of studies and research completed on the mixing of Macugen and Weed.
Heavy, long-term weed use is harmful for people. It alters the brain’s functions and structure, and all pharmaceuticals and drugs including Macugen are designed to have an impact on the brain. There is a misplaced belief that pharmaceuticals and medication work by treating only the parts of the body affected yet this is obviously not the case in terms of Macugen. For example, simple painkiller medication does not heal the injury, it simply interrupts the brains functions to receive the pain cause by the injury. To say then that two drugs, Macugen and Weed, dol not interact is wrong. There will always be an interaction between Macugen and Weed in the brain11.J. D. Brown and A. G. Winterstein, Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/.
One of the milder side effects of mixing Macugen and Weed is Scromiting. This condition, reportedly caused by mixing Macugen and Weed, describes a marijuana-induced condition where the user experiences episodes of violent vomiting, which are often so severe and painful that they cause the person to scream. The medical term for Scromiting by mixing Macugen and Weed is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS. For these reasons, some people choose to quit smoking weed.
It was first included in scientific reports in 2004. Since then, researchers have determined that Scromiting is the result of ongoing, long-term use of marijuana—particularly when the drug contains high levels of THC, marijuana’s main psychoactive ingredient. Some experts believe that the receptors in the gut become overstimulated by THC, thus causing the repeated cycles of vomiting.
In the long run, a person can become even more depressed. There is a belief that marijuana is all-natural and not harmful to a person’s health. This is not true and Macugen and weed can cause health issues the more a person consumes it.
How does Weed effect the potency of Macugen?
The way in which the body absorbs and process Macugen may be affected by weed. Therefore, the potency of the Macugen may be less effective. Marijuana inhibits the metabolization of Macugen. Not having the right potency of Macugen means a person may either have a delay in the relief of their underlying symptoms.
A person seeking Macugen medication that uses weed should speak to their doctor. It is important the doctor knows about a patient’s weed use, so they can prescribe the right Macugen medication and strength. Or depending on level of interactions they may opt to prescribe a totally different medication. It is important for the doctor to know about their patient’s marijuana use. Weed is being legalized around the US, so doctors should be open to speaking about a patient’s use of it.
Sideffects of Macugen and Weed
Many individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to mixing Macugen and Weed such as:
- Dizziness
- Sluggishness
- Drowsiness
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Hives
- Palpitations
- Respiratory Depression
- Cardiac Arrest
- Coma
- Seizures
- Death
Interestingly, it is impossible to tell what effect mixing this substance with Weed will have on an individual due to their own unique genetic make up and tolerance. It is never advisable to mix Macugen and Weed due to the chances of mild, moderate and severe side effects. If you are having an adverse reaction from mixing Macugen and Weed it’s imperative that you head to your local emergency room. Even mixing a small amount of Macugen and Weed is not recommended.
Taking Macugen and Weed together
People who take Macugen and Weed together will experience the effects of both substances. Technically, the specific effects and reactions that occur due to frequent use of Macugen and weed depend on whether you consume more weed in relation to Macugen or more Macugen in relation to weed.
The use of significantly more weed and Macugen will lead to sedation and lethargy, as well as the synergistic effects resulting from a mixture of the two medications.
People who take both weed and Macugen may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Macugen and Weed
- dizziness from Weed and Macugen
- nausea and vomiting due to Macugen and Weed
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Macugen leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Mixing weed and Macugen
The primary effect of weed is influenced by an increase in the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which is found in the spinal cord and brain stem, and by a reduction in its effect on neuronal transmitters. When weed is combined with Macugen this primary effect is exaggerated, increasing the strain on the body with unpredictable results.
Weed and Macugen affects dopamine levels in the brain, causing the body both mental and physical distress. Larger amounts of Macugen and weed have a greater adverse effect yet leading medical recommendation is that smaller does of Macugen can be just as harmful and there is no way of knowing exactly how Macugen and weed is going to affect an individual before they take it.
Taking Macugen and weed together
People who take Macugen and weed together will experience the effects of both substances. The use of significantly more Macugen with weed will lead to sedation and lethargy, as well as the synergistic effects resulting from a mixture of the two medications.
People who take both weed and Macugen may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Macugen and weed
- dizziness from weed and Macugen
- nausea and vomiting of the Macugen
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Macugen leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Weed Vs Macugen
Taking Macugen in sufficient quantities increases the risk of a heart failure. Additionally, people under the influence of Macugen and weed may have difficulty forming new memories. With weed vs Macugen in an individual’s system they become confused and do not understand their environment. Due to the synergistic properties of Macugen when mixed with weed it can lead to confusion, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Chronic use of Macugen and weed can lead to permanent changes in the brain22.G. Lafaye, L. Karila, L. Blecha and A. Benyamina, Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/.
Macugen Vs Weed
Studies investigating the effects of drugs such as Macugen and weed have shown that the potential for parasomnia (performing tasks in sleep) is dramatically increased when Macugen and weed are combined. Severe and dangerous side effects can occur when medications are mixed in the system, and sleep disorders are a common side effect of taking weed and Macugen together.
When a small to medium amount of weed is combined with Macugen, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can occur. According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) most ER visits and hospitalizations caused by too much weed were associated with other substances such as Macugen.
How long after taking Macugen can I smoke weed or take edibles?
To avoid any residual toxicity it is advisable to wait until the Macugen has totally cleared your system before taking weed, even in small quantities.
Overdose on Macugen and weed
In the case of Overdose on Macugen or if you are worried after mixing Macugen and weed, call a first responder or proceed to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
If you are worried about someone who has taken too much Macugen or mixed weed with Macugen then call a first responder or take them to get immediate medical help. The best place for you or someone you care about in the case of a medical emergency is under medical supervision. Be sure to tell the medical team that there is a mix of Macugen and weed in their system.
Excessive Weed intake and result in scromiting, chs, and anxiety disorder. It is advisable to quit vaping weed if you are feeling these symptoms.
Mixing Macugen and weed and antidepressants
Weed users feeling depressed and anxious may be prescribed antidepressant medication. There are some antidepressant users who also use Macugen and weed. These individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to consuming both Macugen, marijuana and a range of antidepressants.
Studies on weed, Macugen and antidepressants is almost nil. The reason for so little information on the side effects of the two is mostly down to marijuana being illegal in most places – although a number of states in the United States have legalized the drug.
Self-medicating with Weed and Macugen
A lot of people suffer from depression caused by weed and Macugen. How many? According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), in any given year, it is estimated that nearly 16 million adults experience depression. Unfortunately, that number is likely to be wrong due to under reporting. Many people do not report suffering from depression because they do not want to be looked at as suffering from a mental illness. The stigmas around mental health continue and people do not want to be labeled as depressed.
Potential side effects from mixing Macugen and weed
Quitting weed to take Macugen
Medical professionals say an individual prescribed or taking Macugen should not stop using weed cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms can be significant. Heavy pot users should especially avoid going cold turkey. The side effects of withdrawal from weed include anxiety, irritability, loss of sleep, change of appetite, and depression by quitting weed cold turkey and starting to take Macugen.
A person beginning to use Macugen should cut back on weed slowly. While reducing the amount of weed use, combine it with mindfulness techniques and/or yoga. Experts stress that non-medication can greatly improve a person’s mood.
Weed and Macugen can affect a person in various ways. Different types of marijuana produce different side effects. Side effects of weed and Macugen may include:
- loss of motor skills
- poor or lack of coordination
- lowered blood pressure
- short-term memory loss
- increased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- anxiety
- paranoia
- increased energy
- increased motivation
Mixing Macugen and weed can also produce hallucinations in users. This makes marijuana a hallucinogenic for some users. Weed creates different side effects in different people, making it a very potent drug. Now, mixing Macugen or other mental health drugs with weed can cause even more unwanted side effects.
Mixing drugs and weed conclusion
Long-term weed use can make depression and anxiety worse. In addition, using marijuana can prevent Macugen from working to their full potential33.J. D. Brown and A. G. Winterstein, Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/. Weed consumption should be reduced gradually to get the most out of prescription medication. Marijuana is a drug and it is harmful to individual’s long-term health. Weed has many side effects and the consequences are different to each person who uses it, especially when mixed with Macugen.
If you take Macugen, and also drink Alcohol or MDMA, you can research the effects of Macugen and Alcohol , Macugen and Cocaine as well as Macugen and MDMA here.
To find the effects of other drugs and weed refer to our Weed and Other Drugs Index A to L or our Weed and Other Drugs Index M-Z.
Or you could find what you are looking for in our Alcohol and Interactions with Other Drugs index A to L or Alcohol and Interactions with Other Drugs index M to Z , Cocaine and Interactions with Other Drugs index A to L or Cocaine and Interactions with Other Drugs index M to Z or our MDMA and Interactions with Other Drugs Index A to L or MDMA and Interactions with Other Drugs Index M to Z.
Macugen and Weed
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