VISUDYNE

Following intravenous infusion, verteporfin exhibits a bi-exponential elimination with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 5-6 hours. The extent of exposure and the maximal plasma concentration are proportional to the dose between 6 and 20 mg/m 2 . At the intended dose, pharmacokinetic parameters are not significantly affected by gender. Verteporfin is metabolized to a small extent to its diacid metabolite by liver and plasma esterases. NADPH-dependent liver enzyme systems (includi...

14.1 Age-Related Macular Degeneration Two adequate and well-controlled, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized studies were conducted in patients with classic-containing subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD. A total of 609 patients (VISUDYNE 402, placebo 207) were enrolled in these two studies. During these studies, retreatment was allowed every 3 months if fluorescein angiograms showed any recurrence or persistence of leakage. The placebo control (sham treatment) consisted of intravenous administration of Dextrose 5% in Water, followed by light application identical to that used for VISUDYNE...

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Local Adverse Reactions – Extravasation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
• Exposure to Sun or Direct Light [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
• Decreased Vision after Treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]
• Porphyria and Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ˃10%) are injection site reactions and visual disturbances. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED...

VISUDYNE (verteporfin for injection) is contraindicated for patients with porphyria or a known hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . VISUDYNE (verteporfin for injection) is contraindicated for patients with porphyria or a known hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation. ( 4 )

• Extravasation : If extravasation occurs, the infusion should be stopped immediately. The extravasation area must be thoroughly protected from direct light until swelling and discoloration have faded in order to prevent the occurrence of local burn. ( 5.1 )
• Exposure to Sun or Direct Light : Following injection with VISUDYNE (verteporfin for injection), care should be taken to avoid exposure of skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days. ( 5.2 )
• Anaphylactic Reactions ...

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drug interaction studies in humans have not been conducted with VISUDYNE. Verteporfin is rapidly eliminated by the liver, mainly as unchanged drug. Metabolism is limited and occurs by liver and plasma esterases. Microsomal cytochrome P450 does not appear to play a role in verteporfin metabolism. Based on the mechanism of action of verteporfin, many drugs used concomitantly coul...