What is Visudyne?
Visudyne increases the sensitivity of the eye to light. This medication affects abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye.
Visudyne and "photodynamic" light therapy are used to treat blood vessel disorders in the eyes caused by macular degeneration as well as other eye diseases.Visudyne can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Visudyne
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
If you:
- Severe loss of vision
- Sudden and severe pain
- Severe redness of the eyes or other discolorations;
- Eye pain or seeing halos around lights
- Feeling like you might pass out;
- Chest pain;
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly sensation)
Visudyne can cause a variety of side effects.
- You may notice a slight change in your vision or see flashes of light.
- Dry eyes
- Redness, swelling, or itching on your eyelids
- Feeling tired or weak?
- Skin rash, mild itching, or skin
- Constipation, nausea;
- Joint pain, muscle weakness
- Fever; chills; flu symptoms
- Pain, redness, swelling or itching at the injection site
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician. To report adverse reactions directly, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Vabysmo, Eylea, Ranibizumab Ophthalmic, Aflibercept Ophthalmic, Lucentis, and Faricimab
Warnings
If you have porphyria, a genetic enzyme disorder causing symptoms in the skin and nervous system, visudyne should be avoided.
Before you take this drug
Visudyne should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to it or has porphyria, a genetic disorder of enzymes that can cause symptoms in the nervous system or skin.Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Visudyne will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
- Gallbladder Disease
- If you are receiving radiation therapy,
FDA pregnancy class C There is no information on whether Visudyne can harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant while taking this medication, tell your doctor.Verteporfin may pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. While using verteporfin, you should not breastfeed.
How to take Visudyne?
Visudyne can be injected through an IV into a vein. This injection will be given in a hospital or clinic setting. The IV infusion may take up to 10 minutes.If you experience any pain or swelling when Visudyne injections are given, tell your carers.After the Visudyne injection, you will receive a laser treatment for your eye(s).
After receiving Visudyne, you must protect your eyes from bright light and natural sunlight for at least five days. 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 drug in your system to remain active for longer. You should spend most of your time indoors in ambient light, such as indirect sunlight coming through a window or low-wattage lighting. Avoid places where fluorescent or halogen light will be present.Your doctor must check on your progress regularly. Do not miss scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Visudyne will only be prescribed by a medical professional in preparation for laser treatment. You won't need to take it frequently.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 of an overdose.
What should be avoided?
Visudyne makes your eyes and skin more sensitive to light. You can be exposed to UV rays from natural sunlight or bright indoor lights. This may result in severe skin burns and damage to your eyesight.Visudyne should not be exposed to bright lights or sunlight for 5 days following treatment.Keep all skin exposed to the sun covered by clothing. Sunscreen is not effective at protecting you against UV rays for the first 5 days after receiving Visudyne.
This medication can cause blurred or double vision, and it may affect your ability to think clearly. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires you to have clear vision and to be alert.
Interaction with other drug
Verteporfin may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
Visudyne may interact with other drugs not listed here. Inform your doctor of all the medications you take. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, and vitamin products. Never start a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
