Visudyne (Verteporfin Inj) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

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.

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