Visudyne (Verteporfin Inj) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 10, 2012

Visudyne

Macular Degeneration »

Macular degeneration facts

The macula is in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for central vision (straight-ahead vision). Degeneration of the macula occurs most often after the age of 60 years and is termed age-related macular generation (AMD).
AMD is a painless condition.
There are two types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD.
Smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, a diet high in unsaturated fats and simple carbohydrates and lack of exercise all increase the risk of AMD.
Early symptoms of dry AMD include slightly blurred vision, the need for more light for reading, and difficulty recognizing faces until very close to the person. A symptom of more advanced dry AMD is the presence of a blurred spot in the center of vision. An early symptom of wet AMD is the wavy appearance of straight lines.
Dry AMD cannot be treated...

Read the Macular Degeneration article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Visudyne User Reviews >>

Visudyne

Eye Diseases and Conditions Slideshow Pictures

Pink Eye Slideshow Pictures

Cataracts Slideshow Pictures

font size

VISUDYNE®
(verteporfin) For Injection

DRUG DESCRIPTION

VISUDYNE® (verteporfin for injection) is a light activated drug used in photodynamic therapy. The finished drug product is a lyophilized dark green cake. Verteporfin is a 1:1 mixture of two regioisomers (I and II), represented by the following structures:

Visudyne (verteporfin) structural formula illustration

The chemical names for the verteporfin regioisomers are:

9-methyl (I) and 13-methyl (II) trans-(± )-18-ethenyl-4,4a-dihydro-3,4-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-4a,8,14,19-tetramethyl-23H, 25H-benzo[b]porphine-9,13-dipropanoate

The molecular formula is C₄₁H₄₂N₄O₈ with a molecular weight of approximately 718.8. Each mL of reconstituted VISUDYNE contains:

ACTIVE: Verteporfin, 2 mg

INACTIVES: Lactose, egg phosphatidylglycerol, dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, ascorbyl palmitate and butylated hydroxytoluene

What are the possible side effects of verteporfin (Visudyne)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; sweating; dizziness; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe decrease in vision;
sudden and severe pain;
severe redness or other discoloration of your eyes;
eye pain or seeing halos around lights;
feeling like you might pass out;
chest pain; or
warmth or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Visudyne »

What are the precautions when taking verteporfin inj (Visudyne)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to verteporfin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain metabolic disorder (porphyria).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.

This medication will make you more sensitive to the sun and to bright indoor lights. Avoid sun exposure, halogen lights, high-powered indoor lighting used in operating rooms/dental offices,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Visudyne »

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/31/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.