porfimer

This medication is used along with laser light treatment to treat certain esophagus problems (cancer, Barrett's esophagus) and a certain type of lung cancer (endobronchial non-small-cell type). It works by making the cancer cells sensitive to the laser light treatment, causing the cells to die.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Avoid getting the medication in the eyes or on the skin. It may cause the eyes/skin to become sensitive to bright light. Tell your doctor immediately if you get the medication in your eyes or on your skin. The dosage is based on your weight. This medication is usually given 2 days (40 to 50 hours) before the laser light treatment or as directed by your doctor. Extra laser light treatments may be given as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that can make your skin sensitive to the sun (e.g., griseofulvin, tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline, sulfa antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfonylureas such as glipizide, thiazide diuretics/"water pills" such as hydrochlorothiazide).

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., endoscopic biopsy) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using porfimer sodium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to certain natural pigments (porphyrins); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain blood disorder (porphyria), certain esophagus problems (tracheoesophageal/bronchoesophageal fistula, esophageal varices, esophageal ulcers), a certain stomach problem (gastric varices). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: radiation treatment. This medication will make your eyes and skin more sensitive to the sun and bright indoor light (e.g., unshaded light bulbs, dental lamps) for at least 30 days. Some patients have been sensitive to light for 90 days or more. Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses when outdoors. Sunscreens will not protect your skin from this type of sun sensitivity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any light sensitivity reactions (e.g., blistered/red/swollen skin). Also, talk with your doctor about how and when to test whether your skin is still sensitive to the sun or bright light. Exposure of the skin to normal indoor lighting will help to decrease the amount of active drug in the skin. Therefore, do not avoid indoor lighting, and expose your skin to this type of light. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Constipation, diarrhea, coughing, nausea, vomiting, or eye sensitivity to light (including car headlights) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pain/swelling at injection site, skin reactions due to sun/bright light (e.g., swelling, blistering, redness), trouble swallowing, chest pain, swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety), stomach/abdominal pain, signs of infection (e.g., fever), unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: coughing/vomiting blood, trouble breathing. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.