Visudyne is generally well tolerated and has a well-established safety profile. Infusion induces temporary photosensitivity; patients should avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days.
Severe vision decrease (≥ 4 lines) was reported within 7 days in 1% to 5% of patients. Partial recovery occurs in some patients. Do not re-treat these patients until vision completely recovers to pretreatment levels and potential benefits and risks of subsequent treatment are carefully weighed. The most frequently reported adverse events (10% to 30% incidence) were injection site reactions (including extravasation and rashes), blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and visual field defects.
The safety of Visudyne therapy has been demonstrated beyond 2 years. The patient's skin will be sensitive to sunlight and bright indoor light for several days after treatment. Thus, patients should be instructed to wear protective clothing on the day of therapy and for at least 5 days afterwards. Patients should be given wristbands to wear as a reminder. Patients should also avoid bright halogen lamps in homes, offices, and cars; high-power lighting used in surgical operating rooms and dentists' offices; and tanning salons. Standard precautions should be taken during Visudyne infusion, including establishment of a free-flowing intravenous line and use of the largest arm vein possible, preferably the antecubital vein. If extravasation does occur, the infusion should be stopped immediately and cold compresses applied. The extravasation area must be thoroughly protected from direct light until the swelling and discoloration have faded in order to prevent the occurrence of a local burn, which may be severe. Drug-drug interactions are possible with Visudyne. Please consult the PI for a full listing of medications that could influence the effect of Visudyne therapy.
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Contraindications
Visudyne should not be administered to patients with porphyria or a known hypersensitivity to any component of this preparation. |
