Photofrin (Porfimer Sodium) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

Photofrin

Esophageal Cancer »

What is the esophagus?

The esophagus is in the chest. It's about 10 inches long.

This organ is part of the digestive tract. Food moves from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach.

The esophagus is a muscular tube. The wall of the esophagus has several layers:

Inner layer or lining (mucosa): The lining of the esophagus is moist so that food can pass to the stomach.
Submucosa: The glands in this layer make mucus. Mucus keeps the esophagus moist.
Muscle layer: The muscles push the food down to the stomach.
Outer layer: The outer layer covers the esophagus.

Cancer Cells

Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues. Tissues make up the organs of the body.

Normal cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When normal cells grow old or get damaged, they die, and new cells take...

Read the Esophageal Cancer article »

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Photosensitivity

Patients should be warned to avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for at least 30 days following injection with PHOTOFRIN (porfimer sodium) .

Patients should be informed that photosensitivity might last for more than 90 days if patients suffer from liver impairment.

Patients should be instructed to wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses when outdoors, which have an average white light transmittance of < 4%.

Patients should be encouraged to expose their skin to ambient indoor light to facilitate elimination of PHOTOFRIN (porfimer sodium) from their skin.

Common Adverse Reactions

Patients should be informed that treatment with photodynamic therapy might lead to adverse reactions which include ocular sensitivity, chest pain, respiratory distress or esophageal strictures. In such cases, patients should call their physicians.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/19/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.