home > drugs a-z list > photofrin (porfimer sodium) drug center > photofrin (porfimer sodium) drug - patient avoid while taking

In this Article

• What is porfimer (Photofrin)?
• What are the possible side effects of porfimer (Photofrin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about porfimer (Photofrin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using porfimer (Photofrin)?
• How should I use porfimer (Photofrin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Photofrin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Photofrin)?
• What should I avoid while using porfimer (Photofrin)?
• What other drugs will affect porfimer (Photofrin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Photofrin)?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of porfimer.

What happens if I overdose (Photofrin)?

If for any reason an overdose of porfimer is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

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

What should I avoid while using porfimer (Photofrin)?

After porfimer has been administered, exposure to sunlight or bright indoor light (examination lamps, dental lights, operating room lamps, tanning beds, or very close unshaded light bulbs) must be avoided for at least 30 days. Sensitivity may last for 90 days or more. Exposure to normal indoor light is good, as this helps the body to eliminate porfimer. Therefore, do not stay in darkened rooms. Before exposing any area of skin to direct sunlight or bright indoor light, test for sensitivity by exposing a small area of skin to sunlight for 10 minutes. If there is no reaction (such as redness, blistering or swelling) within 24 hours, you can gradually increase your sun exposure time. If a reaction does occur, wait another 2 weeks before testing again. Do not use the face or skin around the eyes as a test area. If you travel to a place that has more sunlight, you should retest with the 10 minute exposure procedure. Sun screens will not prevent a reaction. Sun screens stop UV (invisible) light, while porfimer makes the skin sensitive to visible light

Porfimer may increase the sensitivity of the eyes to sun, bright lights, or car headlights. Dark sunglasses which have an average white light transmittance of less than 4% should be worn when outdoors for 30 days following treatment with porfimer.

What other drugs will affect porfimer (Photofrin)?

Before using porfimer, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal or alternative preparations. You may not be able to take porfimer, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the treatments listed above.

Where can I get more information?

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

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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