Slow infusion of verteporfin to reduce infusion–associated pain

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate if slow infusion may reduce the risk and severity of verteporfin infusion–associated pain. Methods: Retrospective case series. Patients who had experienced severe back pain associated with verteporfin infusion were given a slower infusion of verteporfin over 15 minutes. Baseline characteristics including past medical history and medications were reviewed. Patients answered questionnaires regarding the timing, location, and severity of pain with regular and slow infusion. The dose of verteporfin tolerated with each infusion was recorded. Results: Sixteen patients were identified to have severe pain when verteporfin was infused over 10 minutes. Mean age was 81 years old with a range of 73 to 90 years. Twelve were female. Lower back, shoulder, abdomen, chest, and thigh pain were reported. Ten patients had 1 prior regular infusion with severe pain. Six patients had multiple regular infusions and consistent severe pain with each infusion. Eight patients were unable to tolerate the full dose of verteporfin with regular infusion. With the slower infusion technique over 15 minutes, all patients tolerated the full dose of verteporfin. Twelve patients had no pain and 4 patients reported minimal pain. Conclusions: Slow infusion of verteporfin over 15 minutes may reduce the risk and severity of verteporfin infusion–associated pain.

Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • photodynamic therapy • age–related macular degeneration