Verteporfin
Verteporfin, a benzoporphyrin derivative, is a medication used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy to eliminate the abnormal blood vessels in the eye associated with conditions such as the wet form of macular degeneration. Verteporfin accumulates in these abnormal blood vessels and, when stimulated by nonthermal red light with a wavelength of 689 nm in the presence of oxygen, produces highly reactive short-lived singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen radicals, resulting in local damage to the endothelium and blockage of the vessels.
Verteporfin is also used off-label for the treatment of central serous retinopathy.
Administration
Verteporfin is usually injected intravenously into the largest arm vein. It is injected at a dose of 6 mg/m2 and light-activated. It is usually given 15 minutes before laser treatment. This dose can be repeated 4 times per year.Contraindications
: Patients with porphyria should not receive verteporfin due to the risk of exacerbating this condition.Hypersensitivity : Patients with known hypersensitivity to verteporfin or any ingredients used in its formulation should avoid use.
Side effects
Most common side effects are blurred vision, headache, and local effects at the injection site. Also, photosensitivity; it is strictly advised to avoid exposure to sunlight and unscreened lighting until 48 hours after verteporfin administration.Dogs and rats have been treated with inactivated daily doses 32–70 times higher than the dose advised for humans. The 4 weeks of treatment resulted in mild extravascular hemolysis and hematopoiesis in the animals.