What is Verteporfin?
Verteporfin increases the eye's ability to detect light. Verteporfin works by affecting abnormal blood vessels within the eye.
The combination of "photodynamic laser" light therapy and Verteporfin can be used to treat eye blood vessel diseases caused by macular degeneration.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of verteporfin.
Side effects of Verteporfin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, dizziness, or swelling in your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
If you:
- Severe loss of vision
- Sudden and severe pain
- Severe redness of the eyes or any other coloration;
- Eye pain or halos around lights
- Feeling like you might pass out;
- Chest pain;
- Flushing (warmth or redness)
Side effects associated with verteporfin include:
- You may notice a slight change in your vision or see flashes.
- Dry eyes
- Redness, swelling, or itching on your eyelids
- Feeling tired or weak?
- Skin rash, mild itching, or skin
- Constipation, nausea;
- Muscle pain;
- Fever, chills, flu symptoms,
- Pain, swelling, bleeding, or itching at the injection site
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Vabysmo, Eylea, Ranibizumab Ophthalmic, Aflibercept Ophthalmic, Lucentis, and Faricimab
Warnings
If you suffer from porphyria, a disorder of genetic enzymes that can cause symptoms in the nervous system or skin, then it is not recommended to take verteporfin.
Before you take this drug
Verteporfin should be avoided if the patient is allergic or has porphyria, a disorder of genetic enzymes that affects the skin and nervous system.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that verteporfin will not harm you.
- Liver Disease
- Gallbladder Disease
- If you receive radiation therapy,
FDA pregnancy class A There is no information on whether or not verteporfin can harm an unborn child. You should tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant or if you are pregnant.
Verteporfin may pass through breast milk, causing harm to a baby who is nursing. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using verteporfin.
How to take Verteporfin?
Verteporfin can be injected through an intravenous line. This injection will be given in a hospital or clinic setting. Verteporfin should be administered slowly and can last up to 10 minutes.
If you experience any pain or swelling when the verteporfin IV is injected, tell your healthcare provider.After the verteporfin injection, you will be treated with laser light within 15 minutes.After taking verteporfin, you should protect your eyes for 5 days from bright light and natural sunlight. Wear dark sunglasses when you're outdoors or indoors in bright light.
It is best to spend your time indoors in ambient light, such as indirect sunlight through a window or low-wattage incandescent lighting. This will allow the medication to remain active longer in your system. You should spend most of your indoor time under ambient light, such as incandescent or indirect sunlight coming through windows. Avoid places where fluorescent or halogen light will be present.
You will be required to have your doctor check on you regularly. Keep all scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You will not need to take verteporfin frequently, as it is only given by your healthcare provider in preparation for laser treatment.
Every 3 months, your doctor should examine you to see if you require a repeat treatment.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Severe vision impairment is one of the symptoms that can accompany an overdose.
Avoid this
Verteporfin makes your skin and eyes more sensitive to light. You can be exposed to UV rays from natural sunlight or bright lights indoors. This may result in severe sunburn and damage to vision.After receiving verteporfin, avoid exposure to bright lights such as halogens, sunlight, or tanning beds for at least five days.
Keep all skin exposed to the sun covered by clothing. You will need to use sunscreen for 5 days after receiving verteporfin.It may affect your vision, and you may have difficulty thinking clearly or reacting. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly.
Interaction with other drug
Verteporfin may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
Verteporfin may also interact with other medications. Inform your doctor of all the medications that you take. Included are prescriptions, vitamins, herbal, and over-the-counter products. Never start taking a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
