Visudyne (verteporfin)

Indications

Visudyne is a medication used in photodynamic therapy to treat certain eye conditions such as macular degeneration, pathologic myopia, and ocular histoplasmosis with classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. It is used to help prevent decreased vision and blindness. It contains the active substance verteporfin.

Verteporfin is injected into the bloodstream and then activated by a low-level laser light to stop the leakage of blood vessels in the eye. After you have received the injection of verteporfin, your doctor will use laser light treatment on the affected eye. The laser light will change the drug to a form that works by damaging only those cells that cause the serious eye problem.

Use and Dosage

Visudyne treatment involves a two-step process. Firstly, the medication is administered to the patient through an intravenous infusion, lasting approximately 10 minutes. The dose is calculated based on the patient's body surface area, which is determined using their height and weight. The second step of the process is the activation of Visudyne in the eye using a laser beam, which occurs 15 minutes after the start of the infusion. The laser will be directed into your eye for about 83 seconds. The other eye can also be treated with a laser if needed. The treatment can be repeated every three months if required.

During the laser treatment, you may experience some discomfort or pain in your eye. Your doctor may give you anesthetic eye drops to help minimize any discomfort. After the treatment, you will need to avoid exposure to bright light for at least 48 hours, as the Visudyne may make your eyes more sensitive to light.

To avoid Visudyne from leaking out of the vein while it is being infused, take precautions. If there is any sign of extravasation (leaking), the injection should be immediately stopped, and a cold pack/compress should be applied to the affected area. The area should be protected from light until swelling and discoloration resolve.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Visudyne (Verteporfin):

• Constipation
• Dry eyes
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, sore throat)
• Headache
• Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, bleeding, or itching)
• Irritation/redness/swelling/itching of eyelids
• Joint pain
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Seeing flashes of light
• Slight changes in vision
• Weak or tired feeling

Serious Side Effects of Visudyne (Verteporfin):

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Eye pain
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Hives
• Lightheadedness
• Seeing halos around lights
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
• Severe decrease in vision
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Severe redness or other discoloration of your eyes
• Sudden and severe pain
• Sweating
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Forms and Strength

Visudyne (Verteporfin) is available in the following forms and strength:

Visudyne: IV Infusion

• 15 mg

Cautions

• Hypersensitivity reactions, which can cause rash, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
• Skin photosensitivity, which can occur for up to 48 hours after treatment with Visudyne. Patients should avoid exposure to sunlight and bright indoor lights during this time.
• Vision changes, including blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night.
• Increased risk of infection, as treatment with Visudyne can cause a temporary decrease in white blood cell count.
• Thromboembolic events, which are blood clots in the legs or lungs, can occur after treatment with Visudyne.
• Hepatic or renal impairment, as Visudyne is eliminated by the liver, and patients with liver or kidney problems may be at increased risk of adverse reactions.
• Cardiovascular effects, including changes in heart rate and blood pressure, have been reported in patients receiving Visudyne.
• Visudyne may interact with other medications, including photosensitizing agents, which can increase the risk of skin sensitivity.
• Visudyne treatment may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery due to changes in vision.
• Visudyne may cause a temporary decrease in platelet count, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there any long-term side effects of Visudyne treatment?

The long-term effects of Visudyne treatment are not fully known, but some patients may experience changes in vision, sensitivity to light, and other side effects. Your doctor will monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

How many Visudyne treatments are needed?

The number of Visudyne treatments needed depends on the individual patient's response to the treatment and the severity of their condition. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Can Visudyne treat all types of macular degeneration?

No, Visudyne is specifically approved for the treatment of the "wet" type of age-related macular degeneration. It is not effective for the "dry" type of macular degeneration.

How long does it take to see the effects of Visudyne treatment?

The effects of Visudyne treatment may be seen in as little as one week, but it may take several months to see the full effects of the treatment.

Resources

• https://reference.medscape.com/drug/visudyne-verteporfin-343641
• https://www.drugs.com/mtm/visudyne.html
• https://www.rxlist.com/visudyne-drug.htm
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=31512723-9ff0-4e18-aa3a-55ab833038c6
• https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/visudyne
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18177/visudyne-intravenous/details