Preparing for Treatment

If you've recently been prescribed Visudyne therapy, or if a loved one has, you've probably been told there are certain instructions that need to be followed before and after therapy. They can be summarized as follows:

Before therapy:

• Bring to the treatment appointment everything that will be needed immediately after therapy, including
• a tight-knit, light-colored, long-sleeved shirt and long pants;
• shoes and socks;
• dark sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and gloves.
  
  
• Arrange for transportation well before the treatment appointment.
• Note: If you typically drive, don't attempt to drive yourself home from treatment as your vision may be blurrier than usual.
  
  
• Schedule your follow-up appointment while waiting in the reception room for treatment to avoid letting too much time lapse before your next treatment.

After therapy:

• Wear the wristband the doctor gives you to remind yourself and let others know you have a temporary abnormal sensitivity to light.
  
  
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or bright indoor light, including bright halogen lighting.
• Note: Don't stay in the dark. Exposure to normal indoor light is needed to inactivate Visudyne in the skin.
  
  
• If you must go outside during the first 5 days following therapy, wear dark, wraparound sunglasses that completely cover your eyes and protective clothing that completely covers your skin.
• Note: UV sunscreens will NOT protect you from photosensitivity reactions.
  
  
• Reschedule any elective (non-emergency) dental or surgical procedures that fall within 5 days of Visudyne treatment.
  
  
• Call your doctor immediately with any questions, concerns, or problems (such as a sudden decrease in vision or pain at the injection site).

Click here for Prescribing Information for Visudyne to view a full list of post-therapy precautions.

The mySight™ program can help you or loved one prepare for-and get the most out of-Visudyne therapy. To preview the mySight program, click here.

Related pages on this site:
Important Safety Information
Managing Treatment Appointments