Description
What is Visudyne used for?
Visudyne is a medication used to treat blood vessel problems in the eye. Its generic name is verteporfin. This drug is indicated for individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration, nearsightedness, or fungal infection in the eye.
Verteporfin needs two stages for its activation. It is injected intravenously and activated with a laser light treatment known as photodynamic therapy (PDT). This drug works by damaging the abnormal blood vessel formation, which is responsible for causing eye problems.
Visudyne Dosage
Verteporfin injection dosage and frequency vary from person to person, depending on your health condition, body size, and tolerance. This medication is available in Visudyne 15 mg IV infusion.
Usually, the recommended dose for this drug is 6 mg/m² of body surface area. It is dissolved in 7 mL of sterile water for injection. Remember that the reconstituted verteporfin should be diluted only to 5% Dextrose for injection with an overall volume of 30 ml. Be sure to administer this IV infusion for at least 10 minutes at 3 mL per minute.
Laser light therapy is initiated at 689 nm wavelength. The recommended light dose is 50 J/cm² at an intensity of 600 mW/cm² delivered at 83 seconds.
Directions on how to use Visudyne
Follow your doctor’s instructions in administering this drug. Before using this medication, make sure you read and understand all of the directions and information that came with it. If there is anything that confuses you or if you have any questions about this drug, you should contact your healthcare provider.
The administration of this drug should be under the direct supervision of your doctor in a clinical setting. It should be administered slowly for at least 10 minutes. Laser treatment is performed on your eyes 15 minutes after administering the medicine.
After receiving this therapy, avoid direct sunlight and bright lights by wearing protective clothing and sunglasses for five days. Also, do not stay in dark places and expose your skin to indoor lights to prevent this drug from damaging your cells in the skin.
Ensure to wear gloves and eye protection when preparing and using this medication to avoid contacting it in your skin or eyes. Your doctor will evaluate your response to the treatment after three months.
Visudyne Side Effects
The most common side effects that may resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication are as follows:
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, inflammation, irritation)
- Blurring of vision
- Dry eyes
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
If any of these side effects worsen over time or if you develop any of the following adverse events, contact your doctor right away:
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Eye problems (changes in vision, seeing halos around lights, unbearable pain)
This list does not include all of the drug’s health risks.
Precautions
Ensure that you have fully disclosed your medical history to your doctor, especially if you are receiving radiation therapy for gallbladder disease, or severe liver problems, as this can exacerbate your medical condition.
Do not use this medication if you have porphyria and are allergic to verteporfin or other components. Keep an eye out for any allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face and lips, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing. You should seek medical attention as soon as these signs and symptoms emerge.
Be cautious while going outside because this drug may make you more susceptible to sunburn and impair your vision. When going out, avoid direct sunlight exposure and use protective clothes on all parts of the skin after five days.
Inform your doctor about all of your drugs and supplements, as drug interactions can have serious consequences for your health.
Notify your doctor if you experience burning, pain, or inflammation in the injection site, as the drug can leak out of the vein, resulting in extravasation. To avoid this, use the largest possible vein, and the IV line should be free from occlusion before starting this treatment.
Use caution when driving or operating machinery as this can cause blurring of vision.
Keep this item out of children’s reach and store it accordingly.
How much does Visudyne cost?
The price of Visudyne injection is justifiable for its effectiveness. You can purchase this medication on this online platform with ease and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do when extravasation occurs while on Visudyne treatment?
When the drug leaks out of the vein, stop the Visudyne and apply a cold compress to the affected site. Ensure to protect the area from light until swelling and discoloration subside.
Can sunscreen protect my skin from sunburn while on Visudyne therapy?
Visudyne medicine might increase the sensitivity of your skin and eyes to light. Sunscreens cannot protect your skin from any reactions to light. Wearing sunglasses and protective clothing that covers all of your skin is advised.
Is it safe to use Visudyne during pregnancy?
Consult your physician if you are pregnant before using Visudyne medication to avoid harming your unborn child. Ensure that the benefits of having this therapy outweigh the drawbacks.
Is Visudyne safe to use in the long run?
The safety and effectiveness of Visudyne have not yet been established for more than two years of treatment. Talk to your doctor about long-term plans.