Verteporfin
Verteporfin
Verteporfin (pronounced: ver-teh-por-fin) is a medication used in the treatment of certain eye conditions. It is often used in a procedure known as photodynamic therapy.
Etymology
The name 'Verteporfin' is derived from the Latin 'verte', meaning 'to turn', and 'porfin', a reference to the porphyrin chemical group that the drug belongs to.
Usage
Verteporfin is used in the treatment of macular degeneration, specifically the wet form of the disease. It is also used to treat certain types of macular edema and pathologic myopia. The drug is administered by injection into a vein and is activated by light, which triggers it to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
Related Terms
- Photodynamic therapy: A treatment method that uses light to activate drugs in the body.
- Macular degeneration: A medical condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field.
- Macular edema: A condition where fluid and protein deposits collect on or under the macula of the eye.
- Pathologic myopia: A severe form of myopia, or nearsightedness, that can lead to blindness.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Verteporfin include vision changes, sensitivity to light, and injection site reactions. More serious side effects can include chest pain, fainting, and irregular heartbeat.
See Also
- Ophthalmology: The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
- Pharmacology: The branch of medicine that deals with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Verteporfin
- Wikipedia's article - Verteporfin
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