Verteporfin injection
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What is verteporfin injection?
VERTEPORFIN (Visudyne™) is a light-activated drug that is used to treat macular degeneration. Verteprofin is given, then the eye(s) are treated with a laser light as part of a treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT). This treatment results in a slowing of the disease and helps to maintain vision. Generic verteporfin injections are not available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• liver disease
• porphyria
• recent radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to verteporfin, eggs, porphyrins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Verteporfin is given as an injection into a vein. This is the first step of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Your doctor will numb your eye with eyedrops, and then place a special contact lens on the eye. The second step consists of shining a laser light into your eye for just over a minute to activate the verteporfin. The laser does not use heat, so it will not burn your eye. Another course of treatment may be given in 3 months, if your vision problems recur.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss a scheduled appointment. If you miss a scheduled appointment, contact your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible.What drug(s) may interact with verteporfin?
• any medicines that may make you sensitive to the sun (e.g., some antibiotics, sulfa medicines, and water pills)
• aspirin
• medicines that affect platelets
• non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents such as ibuprofen (Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT®)
• tetracyclines
• vitamins A and E
• warfarin and other anticoagulants
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking verteporfin?
Verteporfin will cause you to be very sensitive to light. You must avoid exposing skin and eyes to sunlight and bright indoor lights (unshaded light bulbs at close range) for 5 days. This sensitivity is due to the fact verteporfin may remain in your skin and eyes for a period of time. If you are near a window in your home during daylight, make sure you have curtains or shades to block out direct sunlight. However, you should not stay in the dark. Exposing your skin to indoor light helps to inactivate the drug in the skin. You can watch TV or go to the movies. Try to avoid outside activities or chores until after sundown. If you do go outside during daylight hours within the first 5 days after your treatment, wear long-sleeved shirt and slacks, preferable tight-knit, light colored fabrics, gloves, socks and shoes, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunscreens will NOT protect against these reactions. After 5 days, you may resume normal outdoor activities without any special precautions.
Following verteporfin injection, you may notice increased sensitivity of your eyes to sun, bright lights or car headlights for several days.
What side effects may I notice from taking verteporfin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blisters, redness, swelling of skin (similar to a severe sunburn)
• decrease in vision
• inflammation and redness of the eye (conjunctivitis)
• skin rash
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
• back pain during the infusion
• blurred vision
• bone or muscle pain
• flu-like symptoms
• constipation
• increased eye and skin sensitivity to sunlight or bright light, usually lasting about 5 days
• nausea
Where can I keep my medicine?
You will receive verteporfin in a clinic or hospital setting by trained health care providers. You will not take this medicine at home.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
