Visudyne (Verteporfin) belongs to the class of medications called photosensitizing agents. It is used to treat "wet" age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), pathologic myopia (a severe form of Nearsightedness), and presumed ocular histoplasmosis (a fungal infection of the eye).

In these conditions, vision loss occurs when damage in the macula (centre of the Retin A) is caused by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is an ingrowth of abnormal blood vessels. These blood vessels leak blood and fluids, which causes scarring. Visudyne (Verteporfin) is used to treat the predominantly classic form of CNV, where the leakage occurs rapidly. When activated by light, Visudyne (Verteporfin) works to destroy the abnormal blood vessels growing in the macula.

Visudyne (Verteporfin) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Visudyne (Verteporfin) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Visudyne (Verteporfin) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Visudyne (Verteporfin) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Visudyne (Verteporfin), speak to your doctor. Do not stop receiving Visudyne (Verteporfin) without consulting your doctor.

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Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in select locations.

The recommended dose is based on body surface area and will be determined by the doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Visudyne (Verteporfin) is injected by intravenous (into a vein) infusion, usually in the arm, where the medication is given over a 10-minute period. Visudyne (Verteporfin) is given by a health care professional. After a few minutes, the doctor shines a light (laser) on the eye, where the medication has traveled to the abnormal blood vessels in the eye. This light activates Visudyne (Verteporfin) to start working.

It is important that Visudyne (Verteporfin) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Visudyne (Verteporfin), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Visudyne (Verteporfin) is stored at room temperature and protected from light.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Visudyne (Verteporfin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Visudyne (Verteporfin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Visudyne (Verteporfin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• back pain (temporary)
• chest pain (temporary)
• Constipation
• decrease in pain or touch sensitivity
• dry, itchy, or painful eyes
• injection site reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, discoloration, or rash
• light sensitivity
• nausea
• weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• appearance of light flashes or floaters
• blurred vision
• decrease in sharpness of vision
• increased blood pressure

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• severe decrease in vision (often sudden)
• signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing; Hives; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are using Visudyne (Verteporfin).

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Each vial of dark green to black lyophilized cake contains 15 mg of Visudyne (Verteporfin). After reconstitution, each mL of solution for intravenous use contains Visudyne (Verteporfin) 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxytoluene, dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, egg phosphatidylglycerol, and lactose.

Do not use Visudyne (Verteporfin) if you:

• are allergic to Visudyne (Verteporfin) or any ingredients of Visudyne (Verteporfin)
• have porphyria
• have severe liver dysfunction

Personalized PocketPacks

We sort your medication into clearly labeled, individual packs so you can be sure you're taking the right dose at the right time.

There may be an interaction between Visudyne (Verteporfin) and any of the following:

• Adapalene
• Afatinib
• Amiodarone
• anticlotting medications (e.g., Asa, Clopidogrel)
• beta carotene
• Bicalutamide
• Calcitriol (topical)
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Nifedipine)
• Isotretinoin
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Celecoxib, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• phenothiazines (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Perphenazine)
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, Norfloxacin)
• radiation therapy
• St. John's wort
• sulfonamides (e.g., celecoxib, sulfamethoxazole)
• sulfonylureas (e.g., Gliclazide, Glyburide)
• tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline)
• thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide)
• tretinoin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Visudyne (Verteporfin). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Visudyne (Verteporfin).

Liver function: Visudyne (Verteporfin) may not clear from the body at the expected rate in cases where the liver is not working properly. This increases the risk of experiencing side effects. If you have moderate liver dysfunction, discuss with your doctor how Visudyne (Verteporfin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Visudyne (Verteporfin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Photosensitivity: Visudyne (Verteporfin) can make you more sensitive to light. Avoid exposure of skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 2 days after receiving Visudyne (Verteporfin). This includes tanning salons, bright halogen lighting, high power lighting (such as those used in dental offices), and light-emitting medical devices.

Exposure to light can cause pain, inflammation, swelling, or discoloration at the injection site. Some people may also develop a rash. If you are going outside, wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses. Sunscreens with ultraviolet protection will not protect against this type of light sensitivity. You may be given a wristband to remind yourself and others that you are light sensitive.

You should not stay in the dark; in fact, you should expose your skin to ambient indoor lighting, since this will help inactivate the medication in the skin through a process called photo bleaching.

Surgery: Bright lights such as those used in operating rooms and dentist's offices can activate Visudyne (Verteporfin). If you are scheduled for surgery or have a dental appointment soon after a treatment with Visudyne (Verteporfin), let your doctor or dentist know that you have received Visudyne (Verteporfin).

Vision: You may experience temporary changes in vision that may affect your ability to drive or use machines. Do not perform these tasks until you determine you can do them safely without any impaired vision. Visudyne (Verteporfin) can also make eyes more sensitive to light (see "Photosensitivity" above).

Pregnancy: Visudyne (Verteporfin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Visudyne (Verteporfin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Visudyne (Verteporfin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Visudyne (Verteporfin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. You should stop breast-feeding for 96 hours (4 days) after receiving Visudyne (Verteporfin).

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Visudyne (Verteporfin) have not been established for children.

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