Verteporfin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Visudyne, benzoporphyrin derivative

Category

• Macular degeneration therapy adjunct
• Photosensitizer
• Photodynamic therapy

Description

Verteporfin (ver-te-POR-fin) is used together with a special laser light, to treat abnormal blood vessel formation in a part of the eye which, if left untreated, can lead to a loss of eyesight.

Verteporfin may also be used for the following problems:

• Pathologic myopia (changes in the eyeball causing vision problems);
• Ocular histoplasmosis (damage to the eye from a fungus found in the soil)

This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage forms:

Parenteral
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Visudyne

In Canada -

• Visudyne

Another commonly used name is benzoporphyrin derivative .