Verteporfin
Visudyne is a brand-name photosensitizing agent used in photodynamic therapy for the treatment of certain eye conditions, primarily wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV). It is administered intravenously followed by activation with a non-thermal laser light to selectively target and destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
Visudyne is a light-activated medication used to treat certain forms of wet age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions by destroying abnormal blood vessels in the retina through photodynamic therapy.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 261696
- Generic
- Visudyne
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Visudyne is used to treat wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV), as well as subfoveal CNV secondary to pathological myopia, and presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome.
Visudyne (verteporfin) is a photosensitizing agent that circulates through the bloodstream and accumulates preferentially in abnormal blood vessels, including those in the choroidal neovascularization. When activated by a specific wavelength of light (689 nm) via non-thermal laser, it generates reactive oxygen species that cause localized damage to the abnormal endothelium, leading to vessel closure and regression of the neovascular membrane while relatively sparing normal surrounding tissue.
Visudyne is administered as a 10-minute intravenous infusion followed by laser treatment 15 minutes later. Patients must avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light (including tanning beds and halogens) for 48 hours after treatment due to photosensitivity risk. Contraindications include porphyria and known hypersensitivity to verteporfin. This is a brand-name medication with no FDA-approved generic equivalent. Treatment must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional with appropriate laser equipment.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy