Verteporfin is used along with laser light treatment to treat certain serious eye conditions (e.g., macular degeneration, pathologic myopia, ocular histoplasmosis). It is used to help prevent decreased vision and blindness. After you have received the injection of verteporfin, your doctor will use laser light treatment on the affected eye(s). The laser light will change the drug to a form that works by damaging only those cells that cause the serious eye problem.

Read and learn all preparation and usage instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct IV fluids. Consult your pharmacist for details. Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration. The solution should be a dark green color. If you notice a different color or if there are particles in the solution, do not use the liquid.

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your body size and response to treatment.

Use precautions to keep the drug from leaking out of the vein while it is being given (extravasation). If leaking occurs, stop giving the injection and apply a cold pack/compress to the affected area. Protect the area from light until swelling and discoloration go away.

Your doctor will treat your affected eye with laser light about 15 minutes after you receive this medication. If you have any questions about the treatment, consult your doctor.

Wear a wristband for 5 days after receiving this drug to notify other health care professionals that you have received this drug and to remind you to avoid bright lights (e.g., halogen lights) and direct sunlight. However, do not stay in totally dark areas after treatment. You should expose your skin to regular indoor/indirect light because doing so will help stop any drug in your skin from causing damage to skin cells. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor. (See also Precautions section.)

Avoid contact of this medication with the eyes and skin during preparation and handling. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection if you handle this medication. Accidental spills should be wiped up with a damp cloth and disposed of properly.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for details.

Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation, swelling), headache, tiredness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, fainting, sweating.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), flushing, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to verteporfin; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain metabolic disorder (porphyria).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.

This medication will make you more sensitive to the sun and to bright indoor lights. Avoid sun exposure, halogen lights, high-powered indoor lighting used in operating rooms/dental offices, tanning booths, and sunlamps for at least 5 days after receiving this medication. Wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses when outdoors. Sunscreens will not provide protection.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. It is recommended that you avoid surgery/dental procedures for at least 5 days after receiving a dose of this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antioxidants (e.g., beta carotene, mannitol, dimethylsulfoxide-DMSO), "blood thinners" (e.g., aspirin, ticlopidine, warfarin), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), polymyxin B.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medicine that may make you more sensitive to light, especially: griseofulvin, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole, glyburide), tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline), certain "water pills" (e.g., thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Your doctor will schedule periodic eye exams to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

Not applicable.

Store the unmixed product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After mixing, protect from light and use/discard within 4 hours. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.