Porfimer (Systemic)

Brand Names : Photofrin

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Coughing, difficulty in swallowing, breathing problems, and problems caused by sensitivity to light have occurred in patients being treated for lung cancer as well as in patients being treated for cancer of the esophagus. Spitting blood has been reported only in patients being treated for lung cancer. The other side effects listed below have occurred only in patients being treated for cancer of the esophagus. The number and kinds of side effects that might occur depend on where in the esophagus the tumor is located and on the size of the tumor.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Fast or irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath or troubled breathing; spitting blood

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain (severe); chest pain; painful and/or difficult breathing

Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain (mild or moderate); bloody or cloudy urine; coughing; difficult, burning, or painful urination; difficulty in swallowing; dizziness (severe) or fainting; fever; frequent urge to urinate; swelling of face, feet, or lower legs; tightness in chest or wheezing; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual weight gain; white patches inside the mouth

Less common

Chills; constipation (severe); nausea and vomiting (severe); swelling of the neck; yellow eyes or skin

This medicine may also cause the following side effects that your doctor will watch for:

More common

High blood pressure; low blood pressure

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Blistering, redness, or swelling of skin; constipation (mild); diarrhea; nausea and vomiting (mild or moderate); trouble in sleeping; weakness

Less common

Double vision or other changes in vision; eye pain when looking into bright light, including vehicle headlights

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.