porfimer sodium-injectable (cont.)
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. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication 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 the drug. Test your skin for sensitivity before exposure to bright light. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. This medication 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 this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. You will need to protect your eyes and skin from direct sunlight or bright indoor lights for 30 days.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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