Verteporfin (By injection)
ver-te-PORE-fin
Treats blood vessel disorders in the eye that are caused by conditions such as macular degeneration (a gradual loss of vision caused by aging), myopia (nearsightedness), or ocular histoplasmosis (a fungal infection of the eye).
Drug classes
Photosensitizing Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Verteporfin is used together with a special laser light, to treat abnormal blood vessel formation in a part of the eye which, if left untreated, can lead to a loss of eyesight.
Verteporfin may also be used for the following problems:
Pathologic myopia (changes in the eyeball causing vision problems);
Ocular histoplasmosis (damage to the eye from a fungus found in the soil)
This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
A few minutes after injection of this medicine, you will receive a light treatment to your eye(s).
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to verteporfin or if you have porphyria.
Warnings
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease.
This medicine will cause your skin and eyes to become sensitive to sunlight or bright light. Avoid sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days after your treatment. This includes tanning beds, bright halogen lights, light coming through a window, or lights used in surgery or dental offices.
If you must go outdoors during the first 5 days after a treatment, wear protective clothing including long sleeves, a hat, and dark sunglasses. Sunscreen will not protect you from the harmful effects of sunlight after a treatment with this medicine.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Blurred or double vision or vision that is less clear
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
Pain, burning, swelling, redness, or rash where the needle is placed
Red, swollen, or bruised eyes
Skin rash or redness
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry or itching eyes
Fever, chills, sore throat, cough
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Visudyne
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
