What is Photofrin used for?
- Photofrin is used to treat cancer.
- It is used to treat changes in the swallowing tube called Barrett's esophagus.
Before taking Photofrin, tell your doctor:
- If you are allergic to Photofrin; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Fistula of swallowing tube (esophagus), porphyria, a tumor in a blood vessel, ulcer in swallowing tube, or swollen veins in the stomach or swallowing tube.
- If you are getting radiation.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Photofrin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Photofrin?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Photofrin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- If you have upset stomach, throwing up, diarrhea, or are not hungry, talk with your doctor. There may be ways to lower these side effects.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, bright indoor lights, and tanning beds for as long as you were told by your doctor. Wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. Sunscreens will not protect you.
- It is important for your skin to be in normal indoor light after getting Photofrin instead of a dark room. You will need to test your skin before being in bright indoor light or sunlight. This lasts for at least 30 days after treatment. Some people may burn easily for up to 90 days. Follow what your doctor has told you to do in regard to indoor and outdoor light.
- Bright lights may bother you for some time after using Photofrin. Wear sunglasses for as long as you were told by your doctor.
- People using Photofrin may get skin reactions where Photofrin is used. These reactions may include blisters, burning, itching, redness, swelling, or a warm feeling. Call your doctor if you have skin reactions that are very bad, bother you, or do not go away.
- Blood clots have happened with Photofrin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot. Talk with your doctor.
- Talk with your doctor if you will need to be still for long periods of time like long trips, bedrest after surgery, or illness. Not moving for long periods may raise your chance of blood clots.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is Photofrin best taken?
Use Photofrin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given into a vein for a period of time.
- This medicine is used with light therapy.
- Follow up with the doctor as you have been told.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are the side effects of Photofrin that I need to call my doctor about immediately?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
- Signs of dehydration like dry skin, mouth, or eyes; thirst; fast heartbeat; dizziness; fast breathing; or confusion.
- Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
- Throat irritation.
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
- Cough that does not go away.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Vaginal itching or discharge.
- Feeling confused.
- Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
- Very bad and sometimes deadly stomach or bowel problems have happened with Photofrin. This includes stomach or bowel bleeding, holes or tears, and tissue death. Call your doctor right away if you have fever or chills; black, tarry, or bloody stools; stomach pain; stomach swelling/throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
What are some other side effects of Photofrin?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Hair growth.
- Change in color of skin.
- Bumps, thick, dry, or wrinkled skin.
- Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or feeling less hungry.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Weight loss.
- Cough.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Back pain.
- Anxiety.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If overdose is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Photofrin?
- If you need to store Photofrin at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer information use and disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Photofrin, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Photofrin or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Photofrin. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
