Visudyne (Verteporfin Inj) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images 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 Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Visudyne

Generic Name: verteporfin (Pronunciation: VER te PORE fin)

What is verteporfin (Visudyne)?

Verteporfin works by enhancing the eye's sensitivity to light. Verteporfin affects abnormal blood vessels in the eye.

Verteporfin is used together with "photodynamic" laser light therapy to treat blood vessel disorders in the eye caused by macular degeneration and other eye diseases.

Verteporfin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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 may include:

slight changes in your vision, seeing flashes of light;
dry eyes;
redness, swelling, or itching of your eyelids;
seeing flashes of light;
headache;
weak or tired feeling;
mild itching or skin rash;
constipation, nausea;
joint pain, muscle weakness;
fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, flu symptoms; or
pain, swelling, bleeding, or itching where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about 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).

Before receiving verteporfin, tell your doctor if you have liver or gallbladder disease, or if you are receiving radiation treatment.

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

Verteporfin will make your eyes and your skin more sensitive to light. After receiving verteporfin, you must protect your eyes and skin from natural sunlight and bright indoor light for at least 5 days..

Wear dark sunglasses and keep all parts of your skin covered with clothing. Sunscreen will not be effective in protecting you from UV rays during the 5-day period after you have received verteporfin.

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