Verteporfin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Visudyne

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Photosensitizing Agent

Uses for verteporfin

Verteporfin is used together with a special laser light, to treat abnormal blood vessel formation in a part of the eye which, if left untreated, can lead to a loss of eyesight.

Verteporfin may also be used for the following problems:

• Pathologic myopia (changes in the eyeball causing vision problems);
• Ocular histoplasmosis (damage to the eye from a fungus found in the soil)

Verteporfin is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Before using verteporfin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For verteporfin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to verteporfin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on verteporfin have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of verteporfin in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Studies show that the effects of verteporfin are less in patients 75 years of age or older.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of verteporfin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Liver function impairment
• Porphyria—Sensitivity to light may be increased
• Previous reaction to verteporfin—Reaction is more likely to occur again

Proper use of verteporfin

Treatment with verteporfin and laser light occurs in two steps. First, the verteporfin is injected into your body. Second, 15 minutes later, a laser light is directed at the affected eye.

Dosing

The dose of verteporfin will be different for different patients. Follo...