uses
What is Visudyne used for?Visudyne (verteporfin) is commonly used to treat leakage from blood vessels in the eye due to the following eye conditions.Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)Extreme nearsightedness (pathologic myopia)A fungal eye infection called ocular histoplasmosis Visudyne may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Visudyne work (mechanism of action)?Visudyne works by targeting and closing abnormal blood vessels in the eye that can cause vision problems. It is used along with a laser light treatment on your eye, which activates the medicine.  How is Visudyne supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesVisudyneDosage forms and strengthsVisudyne is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.How should I store Visudyne?Visudyne is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does Visudyne interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Visudyne and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Visudyne. Ask your health care provider if you should avoid alcohol before receiving Visudyne.Does Visudyne interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before receiving Visudyne.A calcium channel blocker, such as diltiazem (Cardizem CD and others) or verapamil (Verelan, Verelan PM), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure or other conditionsPolymyxin B, which is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infectionsA tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditionsA sulfonamide or “sulfa†medicine, such as sulfadiazine silver, sulfamethoxazole, or sulfasalazine A sulfonylurea, such as glimepiride, glipizide, or glyburide, which is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetesA phenothiazine, such as chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine (Compro and others), which is a medicine that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomitingA thiazide diuretic, such as chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, or indapamide, which is a medicine commonly used to lower blood pressureGriseofulvin, which is a medicine used to treat fungal infectionsAspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and feverA blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clotsThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Visudyne. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Visudyne?The most common side effects of Visudyne are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Pain, swelling, inflammation, discoloration, and other reactions near the injection siteBlurred vision, flashing lights, and other vision changesThere may be other side effects of Visudyne that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Visudyne?While less common, the most serious side effects of Visudyne are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Visudyne may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painSensitivity to Light. After receiving Visudyne, your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Visudyne?If you or someone else has used too much Visudyne, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Visudyne?Visudyne is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It will not be given on a regular schedule.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Visudyne?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Visudyne.Verteporfin VisudyneAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Visudyne.Porphyria. Visudyne should not be used if you have porphyria, which is a rare group of inherited disorders. Visudyne can worsen porphyria symptoms.What should I know about Visudyne before using it?Visudyne is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Using Visudyne is a two-step process. The first step is to have the medicine injected into your vein (IV). The second step is to have a certain type of laser light used on your eye to activate the medicine. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice severe pain, swelling, or skin color changes where the medicine is being or was given.After receiving Visudyne, stay out of direct sunlight and avoid bright indoor light for 5 days. Visudyne can make your skin and eyes more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds and bright indoor light. If you must go outdoors, protect all areas of your skin and eyes by wearing a hat, clothing that covers your skin, and dark sunglasses. Any medicine left in your skin could react to bright light. Sunscreen will not help because it protects your skin from UV rays, but the reaction can also be caused by other visible light. Do not stay in the dark after receiving Visudyne. You should expose your skin to soft indoor light. This helps break down the medicine the way it should. Visudyne can affect your vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how Visudyne affects you or your vision returns to normal.Keep all of your follow-up appointments. Your health care provider will check your eyes to see if Visudyne worked or if it needs to be repeated. What should I tell my health care provider before using Visudyne?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Visudyne is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Upcoming Surgery or Procedure. Tell your health care provider if you plan to have surgery or a dental appointment within 5 days after receiving Visudyne. Intense lights may be used during surgery or dental appointments, which may increase your risk of skin reactions.Other Medicines and Supplements. Visudyne may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving Visudyne, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Visudyne could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding. Visudyne passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding before receiving Visudyne.How can I get more information about Visudyne?For more information about Visudyne, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.bauschretinarx.com/visudyne or call them at 800-553-5340.
about
Visudyne is used to treat leakage from blood vessels in the eye due to certain eye conditions. It works by targeting and closing abnormal blood vessels that can cause vision problems. Visudyne is injected into a vein (IV), then activated by a laser treatment on your eye. Common side effects may include injection site reactions and vision changes. Visudyne can make you sensitive to light. Avoid direct sunlight or bright lights for 5 days after receiving the medicine. If you need to go outdoors, wear a hat, clothing that covers your skin, and dark sunglasses.