Verteporfin

Verteporfin is used in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration.

Verteporfin accumulates in the abnormal blood vessels and, when stimulated by non-thermal red light 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.

Eye itching, Cataract, High blood pressure, Injection site reaction, Visual disturbance, Conjunctivitis, Eyelid inflammation, Decreased vision, Photosensitivity, Weakness, Fever, Flu-like symptoms, Eczema, Gastrointestinal cancer, Constipation, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Abnormal liver function tests, Albumin in urine, Joint pain, Sleep disorder, Cough, Double vision, Hearing impairment, Benign prostatic hyperplasia