Photofrin

Generic Name: porfimer (POR fi mer)

Brand Names: Photofrin

What is Photofrin (porfimer)?

Porfimer increases the sensitivity of tissues to the effects of light. Porfimer is used before the administration of laser light to cancerous tumors to decrease tumor size.

Porfimer is used in the treatment of some esophageal and lung cancers.

Porfimer may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Photofrin (porfimer)?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Photofrin (porfimer)?

Do not take porfimer if you have porphyria.

How should I use Photofrin (porfimer)?

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of porfimer.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a porfimer overdose may include increased or prolonged sensitivity to light.

What should I avoid while using Photofrin (porfimer)?

Photofrin (porfimer) side effects

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

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  mild constipation;

  
  


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  nausea;

  
  


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  mild to moderate skin reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, or burning sensations;

  
  


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  increased hair growth, skin discoloration, skin growths, increased wrinkles, or increased skin fragility of the area treated; or

  
  

What other drugs will affect Photofrin (porfimer)?

More Photofrin resources

• Photofrin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Photofrin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Photofrin Drug Interactions
• Photofrin Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Photofrin - Add your own review/rating

• Photofrin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Photofrin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Photofrin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Photofrin with other medications

• Esophageal Carcinoma
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Where can I get more information?

• Your healthcare provider may have additional information about porfimer that you may read.

See also: Photofrin side effects (in more detail)