Drug Notes

Verteporfin (By injection)

Verteporfin (ver-te-PORE-fin)

Treats blood vessel disorders in the eye that are caused by conditions such as macular degeneration (a gradual loss of vision caused by aging), myopia (nearsightedness), or ocular histoplasmosis (a fungal infection of the eye).

Brand Name(s):

Visudyne

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• A few minutes after injection of this medicine, you will receive a light treatment to your eyes.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect verteporfin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Griseofulvin, polymyxin B
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Diabetes medicine (including glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide)
  • Medicine to treat an infection
  • Phenothiazine medicine
  • Sulfa drugs

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• This medicine will cause your skin and eyes to become sensitive to sunlight or bright light. Avoid sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days after your treatment . This includes tanning beds, bright halogen lights, light coming through a window, or lights used in surgery or dental offices.
• If you must go outdoors during the first 5 days after a treatment, wear protective clothing including long sleeves, a hat, and dark sunglasses. Sunscreen will not protect you from the harmful effects of sunlight after a treatment with this medicine.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred or double vision or vision that is less clear
• Pain, burning, swelling, redness, or rash where the needle is placed
• Red, swollen, or bruised eyes
• Severe chest pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017