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Porfimer Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2023.

Applies to porfimer: intravenous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of porfimer

Along with its needed effects, porfimer may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking porfimer:

More common

  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • blurred vision
  • body aches or pain
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • confusion
  • congestion
  • cough
  • coughing or spitting up blood
  • difficult or troubled breathing
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dilated neck veins
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • dryness or soreness of the throat
  • extreme fatigue
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • fever or chills
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • headache
  • hoarseness
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
  • irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
  • itching or skin rash
  • lower back or side pain
  • nervousness
  • pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
  • pale skin
  • pounding in the ears
  • redness or other discoloration of the skin
  • runny nose
  • severe pain in the chest
  • severe sunburn
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • sudden onset of severe breathing difficulty
  • sweating
  • swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
  • tender, swollen glands in the neck
  • tightness in the chest
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • voice changes
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • weight gain
  • white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue
  • white patches with diaper rash

Less common

  • bloody, black, or tarry stools
  • decrease in the amount of urine
  • decreased urination
  • dry mouth
  • fainting
  • heartburn
  • increase in heart rate
  • noisy, rattling breathing
  • pain or burning in the throat
  • rapid breathing
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
  • sunken eyes
  • thirst
  • troubled breathing at rest
  • vomiting
  • wrinkled skin

Other side effects of porfimer

Some side effects of porfimer may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • acid or sour stomach
  • back pain
  • belching
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • fear or nervousness
  • indigestion
  • lack or loss of strength
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • pain
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight loss

Less common

  • bloated or full feeling
  • change in the color of treated skin
  • excess air or gas in the stomach
  • increased hair growth
  • small lumps under the skin

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to porfimer: intravenous powder for injection.

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Hematologic

Respiratory

Other

Psychiatric

Musculoskeletal

Cardiovascular

Metabolic

Genitourinary

Nervous system

Oncologic

Hepatic

Ocular

Hypersensitivity

Local

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Photofrin (porfimer)." Sanofi Winthrop Pharmaceuticals

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

Further information

Porfimer side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.