Visudyne® (verteporfin for injection) therapy for wet AMD | Visudyne (verteporfin for injection) therapy for AMD

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Visudyne therapy is typically performed in a doctor's office on an outpatient basis. During treatment, Visudyne is injected into the bloodstream (usually through a vein in the arm). Once injected, a low-energy laser is directed into the affected area of the eye for 83 seconds. The laser activates Visudyne and produces a reaction that seals abnormal blood vessels.

If you are given Visudyne, your ophthalmologist or retinal specialist will usually examine your eyes periodically after therapy. If more leaky blood vessels have appeared, Visudyne therapy may be repeated.

Although there is no cure for AMD, studies have shown that vision was more likely to be preserved in patients who completed a full course of Visudyne therapy compared with those who had not been given Visudyne therapy.

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

Is Visudyne for me?

Visudyne is a treatment to help slow the loss of vision in persons with predominantly classic wet AMD.

Important Safety Information

Visudyne therapy is not for everyone. People who have an abnormal sensitivity to light (a condition called porphyria) and those with allergies to any of the ingredients should not receive Visudyne. (Your doctor has a list of ingredients in Visudyne.) Check with your doctor or healthcare professional to see if you might be allergic to any component of Visudyne therapy. Only your doctor can determine if Visudyne is right for you.

Between 1% and 5% of patients experienced a substantial decrease in vision in the first 7 days after treatment, though some patients achieved partial recovery. Patients who experience substantial vision loss should consult their ophthalmologist or retinal specialist immediately. The most commonly reported adverse events (10-30%) were injection site reactions, temporary back pain during injection, changes in vision, including blurring, decreased sharpness in vision, and gaps in vision.

Patients should avoid direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days following therapy with Visudyne.

Patients who have to go outdoors in daylight after treatment must protect all parts of their skin and eyes by wearing protective clothing and dark glasses. Ultraviolet (UV) sunscreens are not effective in protecting against photosensitivity reactions.