Pack size: 1 15mg vial  |  Price is for the whole 15mg vial

⚠ Prescription required. This medicine may only be dispensed against a valid prescription.

Generic: Verteporfin

Form: Injection 15mg/vial

Indication

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Administration

After IV infusion, eyedrops are used to numb eye Approximately 15 min after infusion & no later than 5 min after eyedrop application, a special ophthalmic lens is placed over eye Next the cold laser light spot-sized to match treatment area is applied

Adult Dose

Intravenous Photosensitiser in the photodynamic therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration Adult: 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 the infusion. Recommended light dose is 50J/cm2, given over 83 sec. Repeat every 3 mth for recurrent choroidal neovascular leakage. Hepatic impairment: Biliary obstruction; moderate to severe impairment: use with caution as no studies done.

Contraindication

Porphyria; lactation.

Mode of Action

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. It appears to accumulate preferentially in the neovasculature e.g. choroidal neovasculature.

Precaution

Moderate to severe hepatic disorders; biliary disorders. Pregnancy. Use the largest arm vein possible (e.g. antecubital) especially in elderly and avoid small veins in the back of the hand. Stop infusion if extravasation occurs and protect extravasation area from direct light and apply cold compresses. Patient to be under close monitoring during verteporfin infusion and exercise caution when general anaesthesia is considered. Avoid exposure of unprotected skin, eyes or other body organs to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days after treatment. Protect all parts of skin and eyes by wearing protective clothing and dark sunglasses (sunscreens are ineffective) if going outdoors in daylight is necessary. Exposure to ambient indoor light is encouraged as it helps in gradual inactivation of any remaining drug.

Introduction

__NAME__ is used to treat eye conditions such as wet form of macular degeneration. __NAME__ is administered under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Do not self administer this injection. Inform your doctor before taking this injection, if you have any known allergy to it. The common side effects include injection site reaction (pain, swelling, redness) and visual disturbances. However, if you experience these side effects for a longer duration or any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, please inform your doctor. Caution is advised for driving after administration of this injection, as side effects may cause difficulty for eyes to concentrate and react.

Uses of __NAME__

{'list': ['Wet age-related macular degeneration']}

Side effects of __NAME__

{'tag': 'Common', 'list': ['Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)', 'Visual impairment']}

How to use __NAME__

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Safety Advice

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with __NAME__. Please consult your doctor.

Safety Advice

__NAME__ may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Safety Advice

__NAME__ is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Safety Advice

__NAME__ may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. It may cause visual disturbances such as abnormal vision, vision decrease, or visual field defects that may interfere with your ability to drive or use machines.

Safety Advice

There is limited information available on the use of __NAME__ in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Safety Advice

__NAME__ should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of __NAME__ may be needed. Please consult your doctor.