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Verteporfin Injectable
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
VERTEPORFIN – INJECTABLE
(ver-teh-POR-fin)
COMMON BRAND NAME: Visudyne
USES: Verteporfin is used, along with laser light therapy, to treat a serious eye condition (macular degeneration). After this drug is injected, your doctor will use the laser light therapy to activate the drug in the eye.
HOW TO USE: Follow all directions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Give this medication by vein (IV) over 10 minutes in a dextrose solution (D5W) as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your body size and response to therapy. After mixing the medicine in the IV solution, this drug will be a dark green color and may also contain small particles. It is very important to use an IV filter (as an “in-line” filter) with this medication while giving the solution. Consult your pharmacist for the proper use of this filter. If this drug leaks out of the vein while it is being given (i.e., extravasates), stop giving this medicine, protect the affected area from light, and apply cold packs (compresses) to the affected area(s). Your doctor will treat your eyes with laser light therapy 15 minutes after this medication is given. If you have any question regarding the laser light treatment(s), consult your doctor. It is recommended that you wear a wristband as a reminder to avoid bright lights (e.g., halogen-like lights) and direct sunlight for 5 days following your dose of this drug (see Precautions section). Do not stay in totally dark areas after treatment; it is also recommended to expose your skin to regular indoor/indirect light because doing so will help inactivate the drug more effectively. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor. Learn how to store, discard, and handle medication spills including skin exposure to this medication. Use rubber gloves and eye protection in the event of a medication spill.
SIDE EFFECTS: Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation, swelling), headache, nausea, constipation, problems sleeping, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: other vision problems (e.g., vision loss, eye pain), dizziness, severe redness/burning of the skin, flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, unusual weakness, muscle aches). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: back pain, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, joint pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: metabolic disorders causing increased light sensitivity (porphyria). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, scheduled surgery(s) within 5 days, alcohol use, any allergies. This medication will make you more sensitive to the sun and to bright indoor lights (e.g., halogen lights, tanning salons). Wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses to avoid exposure of the skin and eyes to direct sunlight and/or bright indoor lights for at least 5 days after receiving this medicine. Do not use sunscreens. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), polymyxin B, “blood thinners” (e.g., aspirin, ticlopidine, warfarin), beta-carotene, mannitol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Tell your doctor if you take any medicine that may make you more sensitive to sunlight (increase photosensitivity), especially: tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline), sulfa antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), griseofulvin, certain oral diabetes medicine (e.g., sulfonylureas such as glipizide, glyburide), certain “water pills” (e.g., thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: light sensitivity lasting longer than 5 days.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Regular eye exams are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness or side effects of this therapy.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from light.