Visudyne (verteporfin for injection) is a treatment for patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV). It is the only angio-occlusive therapy to address established abnormal vessels in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).^6,7 Visudyne is also indicated in the treatment of pathologic myopia and presumed ocular histoplamosis.

This Website provides general information on AMD and, specifically, wet AMD. It also provides information on Visudyne and other treatments for wet AMD, as well as patient management tools.

About Visudyne
Read about Visudyne, its efficacy, safety, and administration in the treatment of wet AMD. Click here.

Patient Management Resources
Learn about the role of patient education in Visudyne therapy and how to access materials to inform and support the patients you treat. Click here.

References:
1. Grossniklaus HE, Green WR. Perspective: choroidal neovascularization. Am J Ophthalmol. 2004;137(3):496-503. 2. Bainbridge JWB, Mistry AR, Thrasher AR, Ali RR. Gene therapy for ocular angiogenesis. Clin Sci (Lond). 2003;104(6):561-575. 3. Schlingemann RO. Role of growth factors and the wound healing response in age-related macular degeneration. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2004;242(1):91-101. 4. Zarbin MA. Current concepts in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122(4):598-614. 5. Bressler NM. Early detection and treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2002;15(2):142-152. 6. Schmidt-Erfurth U, Hasan T. Mechanisms of action of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Surv Ophthalmol. 2000;45(3):195-214. 7. Kaiser PK. Verteporfin therapy of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration: 5-year results of two randomized clinical trails with an open-label extension. Tap Report No. 8. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2006:24(9):1132-1142.

Visudyne is indicated for treatment of predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration, pathologic myopia, or presumed ocular histoplasmosis.

Important Safety Information On Visudyne

Visudyne is contraindicated for patients with porphyria or known hypersensitivity to any component of Visudyne.

Infusion-related transient back pain occurred with Visudyne only. Infusion induces temporary photosensitivity; patients should avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days. To prevent extravasation, avoid fragile hand veins in favor of larger antecubital veins.

Severe vision decrease (≥4 lines) was reported within 7 days in 1% to 5% of patients. Partial recovery occurs in some patients. Do not re-treat these patients until vision completely recovers to pretreatment levels and potential benefits and risks of subsequent treatment are carefully weighed.

The most frequently reported adverse events (10% to 30% incidence) were injection site reactions (including extravasation and rashes), blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and visual field defects.

Please see full Prescribing Information.