Drug interactions
Benzoyl peroxide + Verteporfin
Severity: Minor
Benzoyl peroxide and Verteporfin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Verteporfin is a photosensitizer activated by light in ocular photodynamic therapy, and benzoyl peroxide may slightly increase skin light sensitivity. Any added effect is expected to be small because benzoyl peroxide is applied topically.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzoyl peroxide and Verteporfin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Benzoyl peroxide belongs to Dermatology; Verteporfin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Theoretical additive photosensitization; systemic exposure to topical benzoyl peroxide is minimal.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light on exposed skin for the period specified in the verteporfin labeling. Avoid applying benzoyl peroxide to skin that will be exposed during that time.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Benzoyl peroxide
- Benzoyl peroxide + Methoxsalen Moderate
- Benzoyl peroxide + Dapsone Minor
- Benzoyl peroxide + Porfimer Minor
Other interactions of Verteporfin
- Doxycycline + Verteporfin Moderate
- Griseofulvin + Verteporfin Moderate
- Minocycline + Verteporfin Moderate
- Tetracycline + Verteporfin Moderate
- Adapalene + Verteporfin Minor
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Verteporfin Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzoyl peroxide with Verteporfin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Benzoyl peroxide and Verteporfin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Verteporfin is a photosensitizer activated by light in ocular photodynamic therapy, and benzoyl peroxide may slightly increase skin light sensitivity. Any added effect is expected to be small because benzoyl peroxide is applied topically.
How serious is the interaction between Benzoyl peroxide and Verteporfin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light on exposed skin for the period specified in the verteporfin labeling. Avoid applying benzoyl peroxide to skin that will be exposed during that time.
What other medicines interact with Benzoyl peroxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Benzoyl peroxide with, for example, Methoxsalen, Dapsone, Porfimer. The full list is on the Benzoyl peroxide page.
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