Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Verteporfin injection is employed in conjunction with treatment with laser light, to address the abnormal growth of leaky blood vessels in the eye. This condition is often associated with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Verteporfin is also used for pathologic myopia, a severe form of nearsightedness that worsens over time, and histoplasmosis, a fungal infection affecting the eye. Classified as a photosensitizing agent, verteporfin, when activated by light, functions to close the leaking blood vessels in the eye.
Uses and Dosage
Verteporfin injection is administered through a vein by a healthcare professional. The dosage is determined based on your body size and response to the treatment.
Approximately 15 minutes after receiving this medication, your doctor will treat the affected eye with laser light. If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment process, consult with your doctor for clarification.
For the next 5 days after receiving the drug, it is recommended to wear a wristband. This serves to notify other healthcare professionals that you have undergone this treatment and serves as a reminder to avoid exposure to bright lights, including halogen lights, and direct sunlight.
Do not stay in completely dark areas after treatment. Exposing your skin to regular indoor or indirect light is advised during this period, as it helps prevent any drug residue on your skin from causing damage to skin cells.
Your doctor will examine your eyes 3 months after verteporfin and PDT treatment to decide whether you need another treatment.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- pain, redness, swelling, or discoloration at the site of the injection
- back pain during the infusion
- dry eye
- itchy eye
- dry, itchy skin
- constipation
- nausea
- muscle pain or weakness
- decreased sensitivity to touch
- decreased hearing
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- blurred vision
- decrease or changes in vision
- seeing flashes of light
- black spots in vision
- redness and swelling of the eyelid
- pink eye
- chest pain
- fainting
- sweating
- dizziness
- rash
- shortness of breath
- flushing
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- headache
- lack of energy
- hives and itching
Caution
- Before using verteporfin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, especially if you are allergic to verteporfin or any other substances present in the medication. Inactive ingredients could potentially cause allergic reactions or other complications.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a certain metabolic disorder (porphyria) or liver disease.
- This medication will increase your sensitivity to the sun and bright indoor lights. Avoid sun exposure, halogen lights, high-powered indoor lighting used in operating rooms or dental offices, tanning booths, and sunlamps for at least 5 days after receiving this medication. When outdoors, wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses, as sunscreens will not provide sufficient protection.
- Postpone surgery and dental procedures for at least 5 days after receiving a dose of verteporfin.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Since this medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using verteporfin.
Form and Strength
Visudyne is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Visudyne IV infusion:
- 15 mg
FAQ
How often do I need to receive Visudyne?
Your provider will recheck your eyes 3 months after a single Visudyne treatment. If your provider still detects leakage from the blood vessels in the eyes at this time, they might recommend repeated treatment with this medication.
How is Visudyne administered?
You will receive an intravenous infusion of Visudyne, usually in your arm, which should take about 10 minutes.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/visudyne/what-is#faqs
- https://www.bauschretinarx.com/visudyne/SysSiteAssets/pdf/baus3920-visudyne-patientbrochure-rgb-p7.pdf
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/visudyne
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18177/visudyne-intravenous/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607060.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/visudyne.html
