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Important Safety Information
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Does Visudyne have any side effects?
The most common side effects were injection site reactions (extravasation [some of the drug may leak from the vein] and rashes), blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and visual field defects.
Infusion-related transient back pain occurred with Visudyne in a few patients. Infusion induces temporary photosensitivity; exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light should be avoided for 5 days.
Severe vision decrease (> 4 lines) was reported within 7 days in 1% to 5% of patients. Partial recovery occurs in some patients. Do not get re-treated until vision completely recovers to pretreatment levels and potential benefits and risks of subsequent treatment are carefully weighed.
Why have I been told to wear protective clothing after Visudyne therapy?
Some of Visudyne is still in the body for 48-72 hours after the infusion. Since the skin may be especially sensitive to sunlight and brighter indoor light, you should avoid direct sunlight for 5 days. Wear the wrist bands supplied as a reminder. You should wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and gloves on the day of your therapy to protect your skin. Applying sunscreen will not provide adequate protection.
There are other precautions you should take, too. For example, you should park in an underground parking lot, if possible, and if someone else is driving, you should sit in the back seat of the car.
Do I still need to wear protective clothing if it's not sunny outside?
Yes. There are damaging rays present even on an overcast or rainy day. It is extremely important that you follow all of your doctor's recommendations, regardless of the weather.
Why did my doctor give me sunglasses to wear after therapy?
After Visudyne therapy, your eyes need protection from bright light, just like your skin does. Please use the sunglasses that your doctor gave you because they have been designed to give you the right kind of protection. We do not recommend that you use a different pair of sunglasses, because they may not offer the same kind of protection.
What kinds of light should I avoid?
Avoid bright halogen lamps in homes, offices, and cars. You should also stay away from tanning salons and avoid high-power lighting used in surgical operating rooms and dentists' offices.
Are some kinds of light OK?
It's OK to use normal (non-halogen) household electric lighting, and to watch TV or look at your computer monitor.
Should I try to keep my house dark after undergoing Visudyne therapy?
Not at all. Normal indoor light is safe. In fact, if you expose your skin to indoor light, it will help eliminate the drug from your skin quickly through a process called photobleaching. So when you're home, don't stay in the dark.
Can I continue to take other medications while undergoing Visudyne therapy?
Please talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking to find out whether you should discontinue them during Visudyne therapy.
Who should not undergo Visudyne therapy?
Patients with porphyria (a disorder involving hemoglobin) or known allergy to the active or inactive ingredients should not undergo Visudyne therapy.
Active ingredient: Verteporfin
Inactive ingredients: lactose, egg phosphatidylglycerol, dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, ascorbyl palmitate, and butylated hydroxytoluene
If I have lactose intolerance, can I have Visudyne therapy?
Yes. Lactose is an inactive ingredient of Visudyne. But that shouldn't present any problems, since the symptoms of lactose intolerance only occur when you swallow something with lactose. Visudyne is injected into your blood stream and it will not cause the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Can pregnant or nursing women undergo Visudyne therapy?
Women who are pregnant should undergo Visudyne therapy only after consultation with their physicians. It is not known whether Visudyne is excreted in human milk.
Can children undergo Visudyne therapy?
It is not known whether Visudyne is safe for children.
Full Prescribing Information
For more information, Contact Us.
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