Drug General Information (ID: DDIBHF5QR7)
Drug Name			Verteporfin		Drug Info		St. John's Wort		Drug Info
Drug Type		Small molecule				Natural product
Therapeutic Class		Antineoplastics				Herbal Products/Antidepressants

Mechanism of Verteporfin-St. John's Wort Interaction (Severity Level: Moderate)
Increased risk of photosensitivity reactions Click to Show/Hide Mechanism Graph
Drug Name		Verteporfin				St. John's Wort
Mechanism		Photosensitivity reactions				Photosensitivity reactions
Key Mechanism Factor 1
		Factor Name		Photosensitivity reactions
		Factor Description		Drug-induced photosensitivity reactions occur when certain photosensitizing drugs cause unexpected sunburn or dermatitis (dry, bumpy or blistering rash) on sun-exposed skin (face, neck, arms, backs of hands, and often lower legs and feet). The rash may or may not be itchy.
Mechanism Description		Increased risk of photosensitivity reactions by the combination of Verteporfin and St. John's Wort

Recommended Action
Management		Caution is advised and pharmacologic response to photodynamic therapy should be carefully monitored if concomitant use of other photosensitizing agents cannot be avoided. Patients should be advised to avoid exposure of skin or eyes to sunlight or bright indoor lights (e.g., examination lamps, operating room lamps, tanning beds, lights at close proximity) for 5 days after administration of verteporfin.

References
1	Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics.".
2	Multum Information Services, Inc. Expert Review Panel.
3	Product Information. Nulibry (fosdenopterin). Origin Biosciences Inc, Boston, MA.
4	Product Information. Visudyne (verteporfin) Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Costa Mesa, CA.