Generic
Verteporfin
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Verteporfin is used to treat eye conditions such as wet form of macular degeneration.
Description
Verteporfin, when activated by low-intensity nonheat-generating laser light at a wavelength corresponding to its absorption peak, generates highly reactive, short-lived singlet O2 and reactive O2 radicals that cause local damage to neovascular endothelium, resulting in vessel occlusion.
Indications
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
- Neovascular AMD
Therapeutic class
Other ophthalmic preparations
Pharmacological class
Photosensitizer
Pharmacology
Verteporfin, when activated by low-intensity nonheat-generating laser light at a wavelength corresponding to its absorption peak, generates highly reactive, short-lived singlet O2 and reactive O2 radicals that cause local damage to neovascular endothelium, resulting in vessel occlusion.
Mechanism of action
Activated by laser light to generate reactive oxygen species, damaging neovascular endothelium and causing vessel occlusion.
Dosage
Adult Dose (IV):
- 6 mg/m² by infusion over 10 min, followed by activation using a laser tuned to a wavelength of 689 nm 15 min after the start of infusion
- Recommended light dose: 50 J/cm², given over 83 sec
- Repeat every 3 months for recurrent choroidal neovascular leakage
Administration
- Administered by a doctor or nurse; do not self-administer
- Laser activation 15 minutes after start of infusion
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Visual impairment
Precautions & warnings
- May affect ability to drive
- May cause visual disturbances; may interfere with driving or using machines
- Inform doctor if increased eye pain and redness, blurred or decreased vision, or increased sensitivity to light occur
Contraindications
- Porphyria
- Lactation
Drug interactions
- Calcium channel blockers, polymyxin B or radiation therapy: increased rate of verteporfin uptake by vascular endothelium
- Photosensitizing agents (tetracyclines, sulfonamides, phenothiazines, sulfonylurea hypoglycaemic agents, thiazide diuretics, griseofulvin): increased photosensitivity
- Dimethyl sulfoxide, beta-carotene, ethanol, formate, mannitol: decreased verteporfin efficacy
- Thromboxane A2 inhibitors: decreased verteporfin efficacy
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Verteporfin.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; may pass into breast milk and harm the baby; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor
Hepatic Impairment: Caution needed; dose adjustment may be needed
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Visual impairment, injection site reactions.
Treatment: Supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place; keep out of reach of children.