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Photofrin is used, in addition to laser light therapy, to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., esophageal or lung cancer). It works by making the cancer cells more sensitive to laser light therapy.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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photofrin
Uses
Photofrin is used, in addition to laser light therapy, to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., esophageal or lung cancer). It works by making the cancer cells more sensitive to laser light therapy.
Storage
- Store powder at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- After mixing in correct IV fluids (consult your pharmacist for details), use immediately.
- Discard any unused portion of the vial.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- You will need to protect your eyes and skin from direct sunlight or bright indoor lights for 30 days.
Photos
Photofrin for Injection Drug |
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PHOTOFRIN |
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How To Use
- Photofrin is given by vein (IV), approximately 2 days (40-50 hours) before laser light therapy, as directed by your doctor.
- Additional laser light treatments may be required as determined by your doctor.
- Follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct IV fluids.
- If you have any questions regarding the use of Photofrin, consult your pharmacist.
- The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy.
- When mixed with IV fluid, the liquid will be cloudy (opaque).
- Before using, check this product visually for unusual particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.
- Use Photofrin immediately after preparation.
- Protect Photofrin from bright light by covering with foil or an opaque sleeve.
- Learn how to discard needles and medical supplies safely.
- Consult your pharmacist.
Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, trouble sleeping, sunburn-like effect (sun sensitivity), dizziness, or eye discomfort (light sensitivity) may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, fever, unusual tiredness and weakness, swelling, pain (especially throat, stomach/abdominal, or back pain), vision changes.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: trouble swallowing, coughing or vomiting blood, unusually fast or irregular heartbeat, weight loss, mental/mood changes.
- If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (e.g., porphyria), throat problems (e.g., esophageal varices), alcohol use, recent radiation therapy, any allergies.
- Photofrin may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.
- Photofrin will make you more sensitive to the sun and to other bright light.
- Avoid exposure of your skin and eyes to bright light (e.g., sunlight, examination lamps, bright indoor light) for 30 days after treatment.
- Wear protective clothing and dark sunglasses when outdoors.
- Sunscreen will not protect your skin from this effect.
- Exposure to a small amount of indoor light may be helpful for the inactivation of Photofrin.
- Test your skin for sensitivity before exposure to bright light.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
- Photofrin is not recommended for use during pregnancy; women should use a reliable form of birth control during treatment with the medicine.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is not known whether Photofrin is excreted into breast milk.
- Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Photofrin is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, doxycycline), sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), certain oral anti-diabetic medicine (e.g., glipizide, glyburide), certain water pills (e.g., thiazide-types such as hydrochlorothiazide), psychiatric or anti-nausea phenothiazine drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), vitamin supplements/antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamin E), antifungal drugs (e.g., griseofulvin), mannitol, allopurinol, corticosteroid drugs (e.g., prednisone).
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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