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Drug Interactions between erlotinib and Photofrin

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

porfimer erlotinib

Applies to: Photofrin (porfimer) and erlotinib

Using porfimer together with erlotinib may increase the risk of a photosensitivity reaction (e.G., redness, swelling, itching, burning sensation, feeling hot, and/or blisters), following exposure to sunlight or bright indoor lights such as examination, dental or operating room lamps; floodlights; halogen lights; and unshaded light bulbs at close proximity. It is recommended that erlotinib be avoided for at least 30 days following therapy with porfimer, and until a test for residual photosensitivity shows no photosensitivity reaction within 24 hours. In some cases, it might be necessary to avoid photosensitizing medications for 90 days or longer, although it may not be feasible to interrupt some treatments for that long, especially if they are medically necessary. Exposing your skin to normal indoor lighting is helpful as it will help your body get rid of porfimer more quickly, so you do not need to stay inside in the dark. Check with your doctor to see if you should temporarily withhold any of your medications after taking porfimer or if you have any other questions. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

erlotinib food

Applies to: erlotinib

Erlotinib should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal and at the same time each day unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking erlotinib. Food and grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of erlotinib from the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to higher blood levels of the medication and possibly increased side effects. If you are a smoker, you should try to quit as soon as you can. Cigarette smoking can reduce the blood levels of erlotinib, which may make the medication less effective in treating your cancer. It is best to avoid smoking during erlotinib therapy. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. If you start smoking or undergo smoking cessation, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of erlotinib. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer