In this Article

• What is verteporfin (Visudyne)?
• What are the possible side effects of verteporfin (Visudyne)?
• What is the most important information I should know about verteporfin (Visudyne)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive verteporfin (Visudyne)?
• How is verteporfin given (Visudyne)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Visudyne)?
• What happens if I overdose (Visudyne)?
• What should I avoid after I receive verteporfin (Visudyne)?
• What other drugs will affect verteporfin (Visudyne)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive verteporfin (Visudyne)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to verteporfin, or if you have porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Before receiving verteporfin, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• gallbladder disease; or
• if you are receiving radiation treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. Verteporfin may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive verteporfin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Verteporfin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is verteporfin given (Visudyne)?

Verteporfin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 10 minutes to complete.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.

You will receive laser light treatment to your eye(s) within 15 minutes after the start of your verteporfin infusion.

After receiving verteporfin, you must protect your eyes from natural sunlight and bright indoor light for at least 5 days.. For best protection, wear dark sunglasses whenever you are outdoors or while indoors under bright lighting.

You should not stay in the dark while you are indoors, as this can actually cause the drug to stay active in your body longer. It is best to spend your time in ambient indoor light such as indirect sunlight through a window, or low-wattage incandescent lighting. Avoid areas where you will be exposed to halogen or fluorescent light.