Verteporfin Solution for injection Health Article

Generic name(s):

Verteporfin Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Visudyne

What is this medicine?

VERTEPORFIN (VER te PORE fin) is used to treat macular degeneration. It is activated by light. This medication is given, then the eye(s) are treated with a laser light. This is called photodynamic therapy (PDT). This treatment results in a slowing of the disease and helps to maintain vision.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• porphyria
• recent radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to verteporfin, eggs, porphyrins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. This is the first step of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Your doctor will numb your eye with eyedrops, and then place a special contact lens on the eye. The second step consists of shining a laser light into your eye for just over a minute to activate the medication. The laser does not use heat, so it will not burn your eye. Another course of treatment may be given in 3 months, if your vision problems recur.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a scheduled appointment. If you miss a scheduled appointment, contact your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol
• any medicines that may make you sensitive to the sun (e.g., some antibiotics, sulfa medicines, and water pills)
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• beta-carotene
• calcium-channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine, and verapamil)
• dimethyl sulfoxide
• mannitol
• medicines that affect platelets
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• polymyxin b
• tetracyclines
• vitamins A and E

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.