What is Visudyne? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025 • Published Oct 16, 2021

Visudyne overview

BRAND NAMES:

Visudyne

Generic Names:

Visudyne

Uses:

Treats blood vessel disorders in the eye that are caused by conditions such as macular degeneration (a gradual loss of vision caused by aging), myopia (nearsightedness), or ocular histoplasmosis (a fungal infection of the eye).

Therapeutic Classes:

Photosensitizing Agent

Forms:

Injectable

How it’s taken:

By injection

What is Visudyne used for?

Visudyne is a brand name medication that is prescribed to adults who have eye disorders caused by abnormal blood vessels. In combination with laser light therapy, Visudyne helps to increase retinal focus in patients who have problems of visual acuity caused by macular degeneration.

What form(s) does Visudyne come in?

Injectable

What are common Visudyne dosages?

Solution Reconstituted 15MG

Visudyne images - What does Visudyne look like?

Visudyne
15mg solution reconstituted

How to take Visudyne

Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A few minutes after injection of this medicine, you will receive a light treatment to your eyes.

What to do if you miss a dose of Visudyne

Visudyne contraindications - Who shouldn't take Visudyne?

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to verteporfin, or if you have porphyria.

Visudyne warnings

This medicine will cause your skin and eyes to become sensitive to sunlight or bright light. Avoid sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days after your treatment. This includes tanning beds, bright halogen lights, light coming through a window, or lights used in surgery or dental offices.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
If you must go outdoors during the first 5 days after a treatment, wear protective clothing including long sleeves, a hat, and dark sunglasses. Sunscreen will not protect you from the harmful effects of sunlight after a treatment with this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
Severe chest pain

Visudyne interactions & what to avoid when taking Visudyne

Some foods and medicines can affect verteporfin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Griseofulvin, polymyxin BBlood pressure medicineDiabetes medicine (including glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide)Medicine to treat an infectionPhenothiazine medicineSulfa drugs
If you must go outdoors during the first 5 days after a treatment, wear protective clothing including long sleeves, a hat, and dark sunglasses. Sunscreen will not protect you from the harmful effects of sunlight after a treatment with this medicine.
This medicine will cause your skin and eyes to become sensitive to sunlight or bright light. Avoid sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days after your treatment. This includes tanning beds, bright halogen lights, light coming through a window, or lights used in surgery or dental offices.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Visudyne side effects - How does Visudyne make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

Blurred or double vision or vision that is less clear
Severe chest pain
Pain, burning, swelling, redness, or rash where the needle is placed
Red, swollen, or bruised eyes
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing