Porfimer Sodium — Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Porfimer Sodium is an active pharmaceutical ingredient found in 1 FDA-approved drug product. Forms: Injectable. Routes: Injection.

Drug Ingredients A–Z 2 min read
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Porfimer Sodium (1 brand name, 1 dosage form, 1 route)

Available dosage forms: Injectable.

Routes of administration: Injection.

Brand Names

  • PHOTOFRIN

Contraindications

PHOTOFRIN is contraindicated in patients with porphyria. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is contraindicated in patients with an existing tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula. PDT is contraindicated in patients with tumors eroding into a major blood vessel. PDT is not suitable for emergency treatment of patients with severe acute respiratory distress caused by an obstructing endobronchial lesion because 40 to 50 hours are required between injection with PHOTOFRIN and laser light treatment. PDT is not suitable for patients with esophageal or gastric varices, or patients with esophageal ulcers >1 cm in diameter.

Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Gastroesophageal Fistula and Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)] Pulmonary and Gastroesophageal Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2)] High-Grade Dysplasia (HGD) in Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3)] Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4)] Ocular Sensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5)] Use Before or After Radiotherapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6)] Chest Pain [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7)] Airway Obstruction and Respiratory Distress [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8)] Esophageal Strictures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9)] Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11)]

Overdosage

PHOTOFRIN Overdose There is limited information on overdosages involving PHOTOFRIN. Laser treatment should not be given if an overdose of PHOTOFRIN is administered. In the event of an overdose, instruct patients to protect their eyes and skin from direct sunlight or bright indoor lights for at least 30 days and then test for residual photosensitivity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4)] . PHOTOFRIN is not dialyzable. Overdose of Laser Light Following PHOTOFRIN Life-threatening dyspnea has been reported in a patient with a superficial endobronchial tumor who was administered a light dose higher than the recommended dose. Increased symptoms and damage to normal tissue might be expected following an overdose of light. There is no information on overdose of laser light following PHOTOFRIN in patients with esophageal cancer or with high-grade dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus.

⚠ Caution
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.