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Photofrin Pws

Photofrin Pws

(porfimer)

Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) sodium belongs to a group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics. It kills cancer cells by making them more sensitive to the destructive effects of a laser light, which is aimed at them after injecting the medication.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable Powder

75MG

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Photofrin Pws information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose of Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) sodium is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight. It is injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on your skin. This is followed by treatment with laser light directed at the cancer about 40 to 50 hours later.

Bladder cancer is treated with only one course of treatment. Cancer of the esophagus, endobronchial cancer, and Barrett's esophagus may require a second treatment of laser light after a further 96 to 120 hours. Up to 2 more courses of medication and light therapy may be used if necessary to treat these cancers.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Your doctor may choose a different schedule different from those listed here.

Very careful handling of Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) is required. Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) sodium should only be given by health care professionals familiar with the use of cancer chemotherapy. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

As well as killing cancer cells, Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) sodium and laser treatment can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the "What side effects are possible with Photofrin Pws (Porfimer)?" section.

It is important Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive porfirmer sodium, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) will be stored at the hospital where you receive treatment.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Photofrin Pws (Porfimer). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Photofrin Pws (Porfimer). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

anxiety
Constipation
eye pain when looking into bright light
frequent urination
hair growth, discoloration of the skin, skin wrinkles and skin thinning, or fragile skin can occur (in areas that have had a reaction from the sun)
headache
hiccups
increased sensitivity of the skin to light (e.g., redness, swelling, itching, burning sensations of the skin)
increased urination at night
nausea
sleeping problems
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

abdominal or stomach pain
abnormal or fast heartbeat
bloody or cloudy urine
chest tightness or wheezing
chills
coughing
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
Fever
mouth sores
severe constipation
severe dizziness
severe nausea and vomiting

signs of Anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs
symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g. pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain)
unusual infections (symptoms may include fever or chills, sore throat, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, white patches inside the mouth, or listlessness)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

chest pain
painful or difficult breathing
severe abdominal or stomach pain
shortness of breath
spitting or vomiting blood

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Photofrin Pws (Porfimer).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Photofrin Pws (Porfimer).

Breathing: Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) may cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing in the time between receiving Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) sodium and laser treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Chest pain: Some people may experience chest pain while receiving Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) as a result of how Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) works. Let your doctor know if this occurs.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Sun sensitivity: Exposure of the eyes and skin to direct sunlight (or brightly focused indoor light) should be avoided for at least 30 days (and up to 90 days) after receiving Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) sodium.

Do not expose your skin to direct sunlight or to bright indoor lights for at least 30 days after injection. People going outdoors within this timeframe should wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses. Check with your doctor about the best sunglasses to use to project your eyes. Regular sunscreens do not protect the skin and eyes from a reaction. Talk to your doctor about how to tell when it is all right to resume your normal routine with respect to sunlight and bright light exposure.
Do not stay in a darkened room during this period, as normal indoor light helps to break down the medication safely.

Pregnancy: Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Women who may become pregnant should use effective contraception while taking Photofrin Pws (Porfimer). If you become pregnant while taking Photofrin Pws (Porfimer), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) sodium passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Photofrin Pws (Porfimer), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Photofrin Pws (Porfimer) have not been established for children.

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Photofrin Pws

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