- Verteporfin
Verteporfin, otherwise known as benzoporphyrin derivative (trade name Visudyne), is a
medication used as aphotosensitizer forphotodynamic therapy to eliminate the abnormalblood vessel s in theeye associated with conditions such as the wet form ofmacular degeneration . Verteporfin accumulates in these abnormal blood vessels and, when stimulated by nonthermal red light with awavelength of 693 nm in the presence ofoxygen , produces highly reactive short-lived singlet oxygen and other reactiveoxygen radical s, resulting in local damage to theendothelium and blockage of the vessels.Administration
Verteporfin is given intravenously, within 15 minutes before laser treatment.
ide effects
Most commonly, blurred vision. Also, photosensitivity; it is advised to avoid exposure to sunlight and unscreened lighting until 48 hours after the injection of verteporfin.
External links
* [http://www.visudyne.com/index.jsp Novartis website for Visudyne for AMD ]
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