Porfimer
Generic name: porfimer [ POR-fi-mer ]
Brand name: Photofrin
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (75 mg)
Drug class:Malignancy photosensitizers
What is porfimer?
Porfimer is used together with "photodynamic" laser light therapy to reduce the size of tumors in the lungs or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
Porfimer may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not receive porfimer if you have porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system), esophageal bleeding, a fistula (abnormal passageway) in the throat or esophagus, or a tumor that affects a large blood vessel.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive porfimer if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
a fistula (abnormal passageway) in the throat or esophagus;
esophageal bleeding; or
a tumor that affects a large blood vessel.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
liver or kidney disease;
late-stage cancer;
a stroke or blood clot; or
if you are receiving radiation treatment.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Porfimer can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.
Keep using birth control for at least 5 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using porfimer.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 5 months after your last dose.
How is porfimer given?
Porfimer is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when porfimer is injected.
You will receive laser light treatment within 40 to 50 hours after your porfimer infusion. A second laser light treatment may be given within 96 to 120 hours after your infusion.
Porfimer will make your skin and eyes more sensitive to sunlight. For at least 30 days after you are treated with porfimer, you must protect your eyes and skin from natural sunlight and bright indoor lights (such as lights in a doctor's office, operating room lamps, tanning beds, bright halogen lights, or unshaded light bulbs).
Keep all parts of your skin covered...
