Visudyne

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Visudyne (also known as Verteporfin) is a medication used in the treatment of certain types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), pathologic myopia, and ocular histoplasmosis. It is a type of photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT).

History[edit | edit source]

Visudyne was approved by the FDA in the United States in 2000. It was the first drug approved for the treatment of wet AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Visudyne is administered intravenously and activated by light of a specific wavelength. This activation leads to the production of reactive oxygen species, which damage the abnormal blood vessels in the retina that are associated with conditions like AMD.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Visudyne is used in the treatment of:

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of Visudyne include:

  • Injection site reactions
  • Visual disturbances
  • Photosensitivity reactions

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

Visudyne is contraindicated in patients with porphyria or known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.

See Also[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD