Verteporfin
About Verteporfin
Verteporfin belongs to the group of medicines called photosensitizing agents used in combination with photodynamic therapy to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, pathological myopia, or ocular histoplasmosis.
Verteporfin contains Verteporfin, which is distributed within the body through the blood vessels, including the blood vessels at the back of the eye. It is activated by light and closes the leaking blood vessels.
Verteporfin may cause certain side effects, such as infusion site reactions, nausea, and tiredness. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen. Verteporfin will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer.
Avoid receiving the medicine if you are allergic to any of the components present in it. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. It is advised to avoid breastfeeding for 48 hours after administration of Verteporfin.
Uses of Verteporfin
Medicinal Benefits
Verteporfin belongs to the group of medicines called photosensitizing agents used in combination with photodynamic therapy (treatment with laser light) to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, pathological myopia, or ocular histoplasmosis. Verteporfin contains Verteporfin, which is distributed within the body through the blood vessels, including the blood vessels at the back of the eye. It is activated by light and closes up leaking blood vessels.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Verteporfin
- Infusion site reactions (pain, swelling, inflammation)
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dry eyes
Drug Warnings
Do not receive Verteporfin if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have porphyria (a rare condition that may increase sensitivity to light), severe liver problems, or if you are breastfeeding. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Inform the doctor if you are being treated with radiation therapy or if you have gallbladder problems, blockage of the bile duct, or liver problems. Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products. This medicine is not recommended for children as the safety is not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) or calcium channel blocker (diltiazem).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have porphyria or liver impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may decrease the effects of Verteporfin.
Pregnancy
cautionVerteporfin belongs to pregnancy category C. Verteporfin should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIf you are a nursing mother, it is advised to stop breastfeeding for 48 hours after administration of Verteporfin.
Driving
cautionVerteporfin may cause vision problems. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver problems, inform the doctor before receiving Verteporfin. This medicine is not recommended if you have severe liver problems.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney problems, inform the doctor before receiving Verteporfin.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Verteporfin in children have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables, whole grains, and fruits in your diet.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Wet form of age-related macular degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes vision loss. In wet macular degeneration, leaky blood vessels grow under the retina, which causes loss of the ability to see straight ahead and difficulty reading, driving or performing daily activities.
Pathological myopia: Pathologic myopia is a serious form of near-sightedness that worsens with time. Symptoms may include reduced vision even with vision correction, blind spots, straight lines that appear wavy, floaters, flashes, and difficulty reading, driving or performing daily activities.
Ocular histoplasmosis: It is an eye condition that develops in people with a lung infection called histoplasmosis. If the person has histoplasmosis, the infection can move from the lung into the eye, leading to vision loss. Symptoms include blurry vision and blind spots.
FAQs
Verteporfin is used to treat Wet form of age-related macular degeneration, pathological myopia, or ocular histoplasmosis.
Verteporfin is activated by light and closes up leaking blood vessels.
Verteporfin may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor lights for 5 days after treatment with Verteporfin. If you must go outdoors during the first 5 days, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and dark sunglasses.
Do not stay in the dark; expose yourself to normal indoor light as it helps your body to eliminate Verteporfin more quickly.
