Question 1

What is this medicine for, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

This is a photosensitizing agent. It destroys cancer cells when exposed to light. It is used to treat age-related macular degeneration.

Question 2

When and how should this medicine be taken?

Accepted Answer

• Given by IV infusion • Eye drops used after infusion • Special lens placed 15 minutes after infusion • Laser light applied after lens placement

Question 3

When should this medicine not be used?

Accepted Answer

• Monitor liver function • Avoid direct sunlight • Use protective clothing • Wear dark sunglasses • Monitor during anesthesia

Question 4

What precautions should be taken before using this medicine?

Accepted Answer

• Monitor liver function • Avoid direct sunlight • Use protective clothing • Wear dark sunglasses • Monitor during anesthesia • Check for extravasation

Question 5

Is it safe to use this medicine during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

• Limited data on use during pregnancy • Use only if clearly needed • Potential risk of fetal harm

Question 6

Can this medicine be used while breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

• Monitor liver function • Avoid direct sunlight • Use protective clothing • Wear dark sunglasses • Monitor during anesthesia • Check for extravasation

Question 7

Is this medicine suitable for children and elderly?

Accepted Answer

• Safety unknown in children • Reduced treatment effect in elderly

Question 8

What should be done if a dose is missed?

Accepted Answer

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. • However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. • Never take two doses together. • For twice-daily dosing: If more than 6 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose. • For once-daily dosing: If you remember on the same day, take the dose. • Take your next dose at the regular time. • If you miss multiple doses, contact your doctor.

Question 9

What should be done in case of an overdose?

Accepted Answer

• Symptoms: Photosensitivity, vision problems. • Treatment: Light protection, ophthalmological examination.

Question 10

What should be done if side effects are experienced?

Accepted Answer

• Common side effects: Vision changes, injection site reactions, back pain, chest pain, headache • What to do: Avoid sun exposure; Wear protective eyewear; Report vision changes immediately; Regular eye check-ups; Follow light precautions; Stop taking the medication and seek medical advice if any severe side effect or unusual symptoms occur.

Question 11

What is Visudyne 15mg/vial used for?

Accepted Answer

Visudyne 15mg/vial (Verteporfin) is a pharmaceutical medicine manufactured by JHP Pharmaceuticals, USA in Bangladesh. It is primarily prescribed for Neovascular (Wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (NAMD).

Question 12

What is the active generic component of Visudyne?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Visudyne is Verteporfin, belonging to the Drugs For Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) drug class.

Question 13

What is the retail price of Visudyne 15mg/vial in Bangladesh?

Accepted Answer

The official retail price of Visudyne 15mg/vial (Injection) is ৳137799.79 in Bangladesh (prices may vary slightly by pack size and authorized pharmacy).

Question 14

What is the recommended dosage for Visudyne?

Accepted Answer

Standard adult dosage: Intravenous – 6 mg/m2 (infusion over 10 minutes, followed by activation using a laser tuned to a wavelength of 689 nm 15 minutes after the start of the infusion). Pediatric dosage: No approved pediatric dosage available. Always consult a registered physician for individualized dosage adjustments based on clinical assessment.

Question 15

Is Visudyne safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Visudyne is classified under Pregnancy Category "Not Assigned". Always consult your healthcare provider or OB/GYN before taking this medication during pregnancy or lactation.

Question 16

What are the common side effects of Visudyne?

Accepted Answer

Visual disturbances; severe vision loss with or without subretinal or vitreous bleeding; Injection site reactions; nausea; photosensitivity; asthenia; cataracts; blepharitis; conjunctivitis; dry eyes; ocular itching; flu

Clinical Information	Administration Information
Indication: Photosensitiser in the photodynamic therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration Age: Adult	Dose: Intravenous – 6 mg/m2 Frequency: infusion over 10 minutes, followed by activation using a laser tuned to a wavelength of 689 nm 15 minutes after the start of the infusion Duration: Repeat every 3 months for recurrent choroidal neovascular leakage Note: Recommended light dose is 50J/cm2, given over 83 seconds.
Indication: Photosensitiser in the photodynamic therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration Condition: Hepatic impairment: Biliary obstruction; moderate to severe impairment	Dose: Intravenous – 6 mg/m2 Note: Use with caution as no studies done.

Drug Name	Risk Factors
Calcium Channel Blockers (Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil, Nifedipine, Felodipine, Nicardipine, Isradipine), Polymyxin B, Radiation therapy	Increased rate of verteporfin uptake by the vascular endothelium
Photosensitizing Agents (Methoxsalen, Verteporfin)	Increased photosensitivity

Medicine Overview

Indication

What is this medicine for, and how does it work?

When and how should this medicine be taken?

When should this medicine not be used?

What precautions should be taken before using this medicine?

Is it safe to use this medicine during pregnancy?

Can this medicine be used while breastfeeding?

Is this medicine suitable for children and elderly?

What should be done if a dose is missed?

What should be done in case of an overdose?

What should be done if side effects are experienced?

Adult Dose

Child Dose

Drug Interaction

Disease Interaction

Pregnancy

Data Sources