Eyes are like objects, right? So sometimes, when our vision is affected by eye diseases, we feel very scared. But don't worry, with the advancement of medical science, new treatments have emerged for such conditions. Today, we are going to talk about one such special treatment.
What is this Verteporfin?
Simply put, Verteporfin is not just a drug. It is a light-activated drug used to treat certain eye conditions. You may have heard of this drug by the brand name Visudyne.
This medicine is usually used:
- Macular Degeneration: This is a condition in which the macula, an important part of the retina, is damaged. This can cause blurred or distorted vision. This condition is especially common with age.
- Pathologic Myopia: Some people have myopia, which is a condition where they cannot see up close. This can sometimes become severe and cause other problems and damage inside the eye. This is called pathologic myopia.
- Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis: This is a condition that can be caused by a fungal infection that affects the eye. It can cause abnormal blood vessels inside the eye to form, causing bleeding and vision loss.
The special thing about this Verteporfin drug is that it doesn't just work. For it to be active, it needs to be exposed to a special light. That's what we call photodynamic therapy (PDT) . Like a detective, this drug goes to the diseased area inside the eye and starts working when the laser light hits it. This way, the damaged blood vessels are closed, stopping the disease from getting worse.
The main goal of this treatment is to stop your eye disease from getting worse and to preserve your current vision as much as possible.
Things to tell your doctor before getting this treatment
Now, if your doctor decides to give you this type of treatment, there are a few things you should definitely tell him. It's very important to tell him these things without hiding them , because that's how he can give you the treatment safely.
Here are some things to definitely say:
- If you have any liver disease .
- There is a specific disease called Porphyria . This is a rare disease that is either genetic or related to a chemical in the blood.
- If you have recently had radiation therapy , or are currently receiving it.
- If you have an allergy to this medicine, Verteporfin, or any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How do you use this medicine? / How is the treatment done?
Okay, now let's see how this treatment works. It's done in a slightly special way.
1. Injecting the medicine: First, the medicine Verteporfin is injected into your vein. It is like giving you a saline solution. This is done by a doctor or a trained medical staff member in a hospital or clinic.
2. Laser Treatment (PDT): After the injection is complete, the second step of photodynamic therapy (PDT) begins. Your doctor will first numb your eye with eyedrops. Then, a special contact lens will be placed over your eye. Next, for a little over a minute, a special laser light will be focused on your eye. This laser light will activate the previously injected medication. Don't worry, this laser does not produce any heat, so it will not burn your eye.
Sometimes, if your vision problems recur, you may need another treatment in about 3 months.
If given to children: Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to young children. Your doctor will explain this to you.
Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a hospital emergency room or poison control center immediately.
Do not share this medicine with others: This medicine is for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.
What if I miss an appointment?
This medicine is not for daily use. That is, it is not a medicine that you are told to take every day. However, you should definitely go to the follow-up appointments that your doctor gives you to check how you are doing after the treatment. Do not skip those appointments. If you are unable to go for any reason, inform your doctor about it.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
This is very important. You should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, herbal remedies you are using, non-prescription drugs you are taking, or dietary supplements you are taking. Also, if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs, tell them about it. Because some things can interact with Verteporfin. If so, the medicine may not work as well or cause other side effects.
Here are a few examples of things that may interact with this medication:
- Alcohol
- Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
- Beta-carotene (this is related to vitamin A)
- Calcium-channel blockers (e.g., medicines for high blood pressure such as Diltiazem, Nifedipine, and Verapamil)
- Some medications that prevent blood clotting (for example, `(Apixaban)`, `(Warfarin)`)
- Some medications for diabetes (e.g. Glimepiride, Glipizide)
- Dimethyl sulfoxide `(Dimethyl sulfoxide)`
- Griseofulvin (this is an antifungal)
- Mannitol
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
- Phenothiazines (e.g., drugs used to treat mental illness, such as Chlorpromazine)
- Polymyxin B (this is an antibiotic)
- Radiation therapy
- Sulfonamide medicines (such as Sulfamethoxazole)
- Tetracyclines are antibiotics of the tetracycline group.
- Thiazide diuretics (medicines that cause increased urination, such as Hydrochlorothiazide)
- Vitamin A and Vitamin E.
This list may not include everything, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you take.
What should you be careful about after treatment?
This is something you should be very careful about. This Verteporfin medication makes your skin and eyes very sensitive to sunlight and bright lights at home. It's like you're about to burn.
- Light sensitivity: This sensitivity may last for about 5 days. Therefore, during these 5 days, you should protect your skin and eyes from direct sunlight and harsh light sources at home (e.g., nearby unshaded light bulbs).
- Safety precautions: If you are near a window during the day, be sure to close curtains or shades to block direct sunlight. However, it is not a good idea to stay in complete darkness. Indoor light will help your skin to deactivate the medicine. You can watch TV or go see a movie. However, try to postpone outdoor activities and yard work until later in the day, after the sun has set.
- If you go out: If you have to go out during the day within the first 5 days after this treatment, be sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. If possible, wear thick, light-colored clothes. Also, wear socks, stockings, and shoes. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Sunscreen doesn't work: It's very important to note that sunscreen won't work at this time. That is, sunscreen won't protect you from the sensitivity caused by this medication.
- Avoid: Sun lamps, tanning beds/booths. Avoid exposure to bright halogen lights.
- After 5 days: After 5 days, you can work outside as usual, without special protection.
- Eye sensitivity: After the medication wears off, your eyes may be a little more sensitive to sunlight, bright lights, and car headlights for a few days.
- Vision changes and driving: After treatment, you may experience temporary changes in your vision. This may make it difficult for you to drive or operate machinery. It is best to stay away from such activities until these symptoms disappear.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Verteporfin can cause some side effects. Some of them should be reported to your doctor immediately, while others should be reported after a while if they persist.
Side effects that you should tell your doctor or a medical professional immediately include:
- Allergic reactions: (Skin rash, itching, or hives; Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
- Blisters, redness, swelling of skin: (Like a severe sunburn)
- Pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
- Trouble breathing
Side effects that do not usually require medical advice, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
- Blurred vision OR changes in vision
This list may not include all possible side effects, so if you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor for advice.
Where do you keep this medicine?
You won't be allowed to keep this medicine at home. It's available at a hospital or clinic, and it's given to you there.
The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's remind you again of some of the most important things you need to remember about this Verteporfin treatment we talked about today.
"Simply put, Verteporfin is a light-activated drug used to treat certain eye conditions (e.g., macular degeneration). This is called photodynamic therapy (PDT)."
- Before undergoing this treatment , you must tell your doctor all your health information and the medications you are taking.
- You should be very careful with sunlight and bright lights for 5 days after treatment. Follow the safety precautions exactly. Remember, sunscreen does not work for this!
- If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, inform your doctor immediately.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly and don't skip follow-up appointments.
If you have any further questions about this treatment, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. They will be able to help you.
` Verteporfin, Eye Diseases, Macular Degeneration, Photodynamic Therapy, Eye Treatment, PDT, Verteporfin, Eyesight
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