porfimer

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

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving porfimer?

• 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.

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.

How is porfimer given?

Porfimer is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

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.

Keep all parts of your skin covered with clothing and wear dark sunglasses when you are outdoors. Sunscreen will not protect you from severe sunburn during the 30-day period after your treatment with porfimer.

Your sensitivity to light may last for up to 90 days or longer. Ask your doctor to determine if your skin is still sensitive to sunlight.

• Expose a small area of skin to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for about 10 minutes.
• Do not use the skin on your face or around your eyes to test for light sensitivity.
• If the exposed skin develops redness, swelling, or blistering within 24 hours, wait another 2 weeks before testing again.
• Test your skin again if your sunlight exposure will increase due to travel or relocation within 90 days after you receive porfimer.

Exposure to sunlight shining through a window is not as harmful and can help your body eliminate porfimer. Follow your doctor's instructions about the best amount of light exposure.

You may need frequent medical tests or a biopsy every 3 months.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving porfimer?

What are the possible side effects of porfimer?

• fever, chills, chest pain;
• if you feel very thirsty or hot, are unable to urinate, and have heavy sweating or hot and dry skin;
• low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet;
• fluid build-up in or around the lungs --pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold and clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats;
• signs of stomach bleeding --bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or
• signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

Common side effects may include:

• chest pain, breathing problems, fluid around your lungs;
• fever, sore throat, cough;
• anemia;
• being more sensitive to light;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation;
• trouble swallowing, coughing up blood;
• pain, back pain;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• dehydration.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect porfimer?

Porfimer can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This effect may be increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antibiotics, heart or blood pressure medication, certain anti-psychotic medication, or medicine to control severe nausea and vomiting.

Other drugs may affect porfimer, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about porfimer.