Visudyne

Your dose of Visudyne (verteporfin) is based on your body size. It's given as an intravenous infusion over the course of 10 minutes. The laser light therapy is then started 15 minutes after the infusion begins. Your provider will focus the light directly on the treatment area. Exposure to light activates (turns on) the medication in this specific area, meaning it allows the medication to start working.

Your provider will recheck your eyes 3 months after a single Visudyne (verteporfin) treatment. If your provider still detects leakage from the blood vessels in the eyes at this time, they might recommend to repeat treatment with this medication.

The most common side effects of Visudyne (verteporfin) are injection site reactions, including pain, swelling, inflammation, rash, bleeding, and discoloration. This medication can also cause changes in vision, such as blurred vision, flashes of light, lower visual clarity, and blind spots. Be sure to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until your vision returns to normal after treatment with Visudyne (verteporfin).

Yes. After you receive treatment with Visudyne (verteporfin), you should avoid exposing your skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days. This is because Visudyne (verteporfin) can make your skin more sensitive to light. Examples of bright indoor lights to avoid include tanning beds, bright halogen lighting, and high-power lighting used during surgery or at dental offices. Wear dark sunglasses and protective clothing if you have to go outside during the day in the 5 days following your treatment. Sunscreen will not be enough to protect your skin from sun sensitivity. However, you don't have to spend the 5 days in complete darkness. Regular indoor light is safe and will help inactivate (turn off) the medication.

Visudyne (verteporfin) can potentially cause significant vision loss within 1 week after treatment. If this occurs, you shouldn't be retreated until your vision returns to normal. Your provider can help you decide if the benefits of treatment are worth the risk of vision changes. In addition, if Visudyne (verteporfin) accidentally leaks from the blood vessels onto the skin after it's injected, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and discoloration. You're more at risk for this reaction if the area where the medication has leaked onto is exposed to direct light. Exposing the skin to light where medication has spilled can also cause severe burns or damage to skin tissue. Cold compresses at the injection site and oral pain relievers can help with skin reactions to leaked medication. There have also been reports of severe allergic reactions following Visudyne (verteporfin) treatment. These symptoms might include itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, and throat, trouble breathing, and unresponsiveness. If this occurs, stop Visudyne (verteporfin) treatment and let your provider know so they can treat your allergic reaction.