Photofrin ratings & reviews

Porfimer Sodium
Company: Pinnacle
Brand: Photofrin
Drug class: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
+2 more
Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents, Antineoplastics, Sensitizers used in Photodynamic and Radiation Therapy
Overall rating
3.5
full star full star full star half star empty star
Ranked #25
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
3.6/5
Safety
3.5/5
Tolerability
3.5/5
Accessibility
3.2/5
Adherence
3.3/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • Photofrin generally shows limited efficacy across multiple cancer types, including esophageal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, with average efficacy ratings around 2.0 to 2.9, suggesting significant room for improvement in treatment options.
  • While some physicians have reported positive outcomes with Photofrin for managing Barrett's esophagus, there are widespread concerns from specialists regarding its overall effectiveness, indicating inconsistency in treatment perceptions.
  • Despite its efficacy concerns, many physicians report that patients generally tolerate Photofrin well, with a noted good safety and tolerability profile across different treatment scenarios.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Photofrin contains the active ingredient porfimer sodium, a photoactivated radical generator. Porfimer sodium is designed for injection as a single-dose vial of dark red to reddish brown lyophilized powder for intravenous use, with each vial containing 75 mg. Key inactive ingredients include hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas
  • Stomach pain
  • Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Abnormal connection of the tubes that connect the esophagus and the trachea or lungs
  • Enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Porphyria
  • Recent or ongoing radiation
  • Tumors near major blood vessels
  • Ulcers in the esophagus
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to porfimer, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

  • Certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline or sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
  • Certain medications for diabetes, such as, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide
  • Griseofulvin
  • Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
  • Certain diuretics, such as chlorothiazide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun and bright indoor light for 30 days or more after treatment. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and dark sunglasses. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 5 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 5 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 5 months after the last dose.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 5 months after the last dose.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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