Visudyne (Verteporfin for Injection) 15 mg

Verteporfin, the active ingredient in Visudyne, is a photosensitizer presented as a 15 mg/1 injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution for intravenous use. It is used to treat conditions such as neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, pathologic myopia, and presumed ocular histoplasmosis.

GNH USA supplies Visudyne as a licensed, GDP-compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics worldwide.

Visudyne is used to treat conditions involving abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. It is specifically indicated for the following:

- Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration: Reduces leakage from abnormal blood vessels in the eye. - Pathologic myopia: Treats severe nearsightedness that causes vision loss. - Presumed ocular histoplasmosis: Manages vision loss due to fungal infection in the eye.

Visudyne may cause various side effects, which can be categorized as follows:

Common Side Effects: - Back pain (temporary) - Chest pain (temporary) - Constipation - Decrease in pain or touch sensitivity - Dry, itchy, or painful eyes - Injection site reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, discoloration, or rash - Light sensitivity - Nausea - Weakness

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Seizures - Severe decrease in vision (often sudden) - Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat) - Appearance of light flashes or floaters - Blurred vision - Decrease in sharpness of vision - Increased blood pressure

Visudyne should be used with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Important precautions include:

- Avoid use if you have porphyria or are allergic to verteporfin or any of its components. - Avoid exposure of skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 2 to 5 days after treatment. - Use the largest arm vein possible, preferably the antecubital, for injection. - Monitor for signs of allergic reactions or severe vision loss. - Store at room temperature and protect from light.

Visudyne may interact with other medications, which can be categorized as follows:

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Photosensitizing agents: May increase the risk of photosensitivity reactions. - Other medications that cause photosensitivity: May enhance the photosensitivity effects of verteporfin.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Medications that affect liver function: May alter the metabolism of verteporfin. - Medications that cause blood vessel constriction: May affect the efficacy of verteporfin. - Medications that cause blood vessel dilation: May affect the efficacy of verteporfin.