Visudyne (Verteporfin Inj) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 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 »

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Visudyne

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Visudyne Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

VERTEPORFIN - INJECTION

(VER-te-POR-fin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Visudyne

USES: Verteporfin is used along with laser light treatment to treat certain serious eye conditions (e.g., macular degeneration, pathologic myopia, ocular histoplasmosis). It is used to help prevent decreased vision and blindness. After you have received the injection of verteporfin, your doctor will use laser light treatment on the affected eye(s). The laser light will change the drug to a form that works by damaging only those cells that cause the serious eye problem.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your body size and response to treatment.

Your doctor will treat your affected eye with laser light about 15 minutes after you receive this medication. If you have any questions about the treatment, consult your doctor.

Wear a wristband for 5 days after receiving this drug to notify other health care professionals that you have received this drug and to remind you to avoid bright lights (e.g., halogen lights) and direct sunlight. However, do not stay in totally dark areas after treatment. You should expose your skin to regular indoor/indirect light because doing so will help stop any drug in your skin from causing damage to skin cells. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor. (See also Precautions section.)

Avoid contact of this medication with the eyes and skin during preparation and handling. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection if you handle this medication. Accidental spills should be wiped up with a damp cloth and disposed of properly.