Visudyne

Why VISUDYNE® May Be Right For You

The sooner you begin therapy, the better your chances of retaining more of your vision

VISUDYNE® therapy is approved to stop leaking from blood vessels in eyes that is caused by AMD (a condition affecting the macula of the eye which can impair vision).

Wet AMD is a serious eye disease that, if left untreated, can quickly cause severe vision loss. VISUDYNE® is a drug therapy that can slow the progression of wet AMD and may help you maintain your vision. Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions, as well as all recommended safety precautions.

How VISUDYNE® therapy works

VISUDYNE®, also known as verteporfin for injection, is a light-activated, or photodynamic, drug. It is administered through an infusion into the patient’s arm to travel through the bloodstream. The drug then circulates throughout the body; the abnormal vessels in the patient’s eye attract and absorb the drug.

It is then activated by a low-energy laser, which produces a reaction that damages and closes abnormal vessels

Multiple courses of therapy are often necessary because the abnormal blood vessels may not be fully closed off and leakage may recur. Despite the need for multiple treatments, stoppage of leakage and stability of visual function are achieved in many patients

Individual results may vary. VISUDYNE® therapy may be repeated at 3-month intervals if necessary.

Indication

VISUDYNE® (verteporfin for injection) is used along with laser light treatment to stop leaking from blood vessels in the eye due to the following serious eye conditions: age-related macular degeneration (a condition affecting the retina of the eye which can impair vision), pathologic myopia (extreme nearsightedness) or ocular histoplasmosis (a certain type of fungus infection in the eye).

Important Safety Information

  • VISUDYNE® (verteporfin for injection) should not be used if you have a condition known as porphyria (blood enzyme deficiency), or if you are allergic to it or any of its components.
  • If there is leakage of medication into the tissue around the injection site, it may cause damage. If this happens, protect the area from direct light until swelling and discoloration have faded.
  • Avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days after treatment with VISUDYNE. Wear protective clothes and dark sunglasses if going outdoors during this time. A UV sunscreen will not offer enough protection for your skin. Wear a wristband to remind you to do this. However, do not stay in totally dark areas. You should expose your skin to regular indoor and/or indirect light because doing so will help inactivate the drug in your skin.
  • In clinical studies, the most common side effects were injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, irritation, rashes and swelling) or changes in vision (including blurred vision and flashes of light). Tell your doctor about any side effects that you may have.
  • If you develop or have changes or a decrease in vision after treatment, do not drive or use machines as long as these symptoms continue.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VISUDYNE®.

Indication and Important Safety Information