GENERIC NAME: VERTEPORFIN - INJECTABLE (ver-teh-POR-fin)
BRAND NAME(S): Visudyne
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Verteporfin is used, along with laser light therapy, to treat a serious eye condition (macular degeneration). After this drug is injected, your doctor will use the laser light therapy to activate the drug in the eye.
HOW TO USE: Follow all directions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Give this medication by vein (IV) over 10 minutes in a dextrose solution (D5W) as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your body size and response to therapy. After mixing the medicine in the IV solution, this drug will be a dark green color and may also contain small particles. It is very important to use an IV filter (as an "in-line" filter) with this medication while giving the solution. Consult your pharmacist for the proper use of this filter. If this drug leaks out of the vein while it is being given (i.e., extravasates), stop giving this medicine, protect the affected area from light, and apply cold packs (compresses) to the affected area(s). Your doctor will treat your eyes with laser light therapy 15 minutes after this medication is given. If you have any question regarding the laser light treatment(s), consult your doctor. It is recommended that you wear a wristband as a reminder to avoid bright lights (e.g., halogen-like lights) and direct sunlight for 5 days following your dose of this drug (see Precautions section). Do not stay in totally dark areas after treatment; it is also recommended to expose your skin to regular indoor/indirect light because doing so will help inactivate the drug more effectively. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor. Learn how to store, discard, and handle medication spills including skin exposure to this medication. Use rubber gloves and eye protection in the event of a medication spill.
SIDE EFFECTS: Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation, swelling), headache, nausea, constipation, problems sleeping, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: other vision problems (e.g., vision loss, eye pain), dizziness, severe redness/burning of the skin, flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, unusual weakness, muscle aches). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: back pain, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, joint pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Macular Degeneration (Age-Related Type) - Read about age-related macular degeneration (AMD, ARMD) causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors (hereditary), treatment, research and vision loss statistics.
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