Porfimer injection

What is this medication?

PORFIMER (POR fi mer) is a light sensitizing drug that targets the tumor cells for laser light therapy. It is used to treat Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, and lung cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Photofrin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• esophageal fistulas, varices, or ulcers
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• porphyria
• recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• tumors that are growing into major blood vessels
• an unusual or allergic reaction to porfimer, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This drug is given as an injection into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain antibiotics like fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines
• certain medicines for diabetes like chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, tolazamide, tolbutamide
• griseofulvin
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• thiazide diuretics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

This therapy will cause swelling and pain at the site of the tumor with more secretions and mucus in the lungs or throat. Contact your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not go away or if they get worse.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to light. Keep out of the sun for at least 30 days after taking this medicine. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing. Sunscreens will NOT protect from this new sensitivity. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Avoid bright indoor lights.

Your eyes will be more sensitive to light after taking this medicine. Light from the sun, bright lights, or car headlights may bother your eyes. Wear dark sunglasses for at least 30 days after taking this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for at least 5 months after stopping it. Women should inform their healthcare professional if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for at least 5 months after stopping it. There is potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your healthcare professional for more information.

Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for at least 5 months after stopping it.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• coughing up blood
• fever
• rash on cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun
• signs and symptoms of low red blood cells or anemia such as unusually weak or tired; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems
• trouble swallowing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• sensitivity to light

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.