Verteporfin : Before Using - Visudyne, benzoporphyrin derivative

Verteporfin - Systemic

Brand Names

Visudyne, benzoporphyrin derivative Verteporfin *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the problems of uses this drugs must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For verteporfin, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to verteporfin. Always tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods or preservatives.

Pregnancy care

Verteporfin has not been studied in pregnant women. However, it has causing harm to the fetus in pets. Before using this drug, make sure your family doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding problem

It is not known whether verteporfin passes into breast milk. Although most medication pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be using safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this drug and who wish to breast-feed must discuss this with their family doctor.

Use for Children

Studies on this drug have been done only in adult diseaseds and there is no special info comparing use of verteporfin in child with use in other age groups.

Elderly care

Studies show that the effects of verteporfin are less in diseaseds 75 years of age or older.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose or other precautions may be necessary. When you are using verteporfin, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Calcium channel blocking agents - drug class for blood pressure
Polymyxin B - antibiotic in eye preparations
Radiation therapy Use of these medication with verteporfin may increase the effects of verteporfin

Alcohol
Antioxidant vitamins and minerals - Beta-carotene
Dimethyl sulfoxide - DMSO, Rimso-50
Medications that decrease blood clotting and blood vessel constriction The effects of verteporfin may be decreased

Antidiabetics, oral - diabetes drug you take by mouth
Griseofulvin - Fulvicin, Gris-PEG
Phenothiazines - antipsychotic medications
Sulfonamides - sulfa drug
Tetracyclines - drug for infection
Thiazide diuretics - water pills Use with verteporfin may increase the sensitivity of skin to light

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of verteporfin. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Liver function impairment
Porphyria Sensitivity to light may be increased
Previous reaction to verteporfin Reaction is more likely to occur again