Visudyne
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Visudyne
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:
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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 tingly feeling under your skin.
Less serious side effects...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Visudyne »
What are the precautions when taking verteporfin injection (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,...
Last reviewed on RxList: 7/9/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Additional Visudyne Information
Visudyne - User Reviews
Visudyne User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Visudyne sorted by most helpful.
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.
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