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 Names:
Visudyne
Contraindications:
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to verteporfin or if you have porphyria
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
A few minutes after injection of this medicine, you will receive a light treatment to your eyes.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using.
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows 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.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Blurred or double vision or vision that is less clear
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
Pain, burning, swelling, redness, or rash where the needle is placed
