Information about Verteporfin

Generic Name : Verteporfin
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Verteporfin are provided here.

Pronunciation : ver-teh-POR-fin

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Verteporfin, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y57.5 Therapeutic Classification : Photosensitizer

Trade Names/Brand Names of Verteporfin

International :

Visudyne

Why is Verteporfin Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a benzoporphyrin derivative, prescribed for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It closes up the leaking blood vessels in the eye.

When should Verteporfin not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with porphyria, and known hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Verteporfin?

Adult: IV- The recommended dose is 6 mg/m², followed by activation using laser (at a wavelength of 689 nm) 15 minutes after starting infusion.

How should Verteporfin be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein.

What are the warnings and precautions for Verteporfin?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of liver impairment, bile obstruction, undergoing radiation therapy, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause blurred vision or vision changes, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid exposure to sunlight.

• Avoid getting on the skin or in the eyes.

What are the side effects of Verteporfin?

Most Common - Fainting, sweating, dizziness, rash, difficulty in breathing, flushing and changes in blood pressure and heart rate, headache, uneasiness, hives, and itching.
Ocular Treatment Site (Eye) - Inflammation of eyelid, cataracts, dry eyes, itching, decreased vision, and retinal bleeding.
Body as a Whole - Weakness, fever, flu syndrome, back pain and sensitivity to light.
Heart - Abnormal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and varicose veins.
Skin - Bruising.
Gastrointestinal - Constipation, gastrointestinal cancers and nausea.
Blood - Anemia, increase or decrease in white blood cells.
Liver - Elevated liver function.
Metabolic - Elevated liver enzyme.
Musculoskeletal - Joint pain, muscle pain or weakness.
Central Nervous System - Sensory loss, sleep disorder and fainting.
Respiratory - Cough, inflammation of pharynx and lung infection.
Eye and ENT - Decreased hearing, double vision and tearing disorder.
Genitourinary - Abnormality of the prostate gland.