Verteporfin Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and eyewear for 5 days after treatment. Sunscreens will not protect.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Irritation where the shot is given.

• Blurred vision. Use caution when driving or doing other tasks that require you to have clear vision.

• Headache.

• Sunburn.

• Feeling tired or weak.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Persistent cough.

• Sudden change in vision, eye pain, or irritation.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Severe skin irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.