Porfimer Intravenous and Tacrolimus Oral, Intravenous

• Generic Name: porfimer
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Photofrin

Porfimer belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastics. It is used, together with a special laser light, to treat cancer of the esophagus (the part of the digestive tract that carries food to the stomach) and to treat a form of lung cancer. Porfimer may also treat changes in the esophagus that might lead to cancer, such as a condition called Barrett's esophagus.

Porfimer is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, porfimer is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

• Cancer of the biliary tract (cholangiocarcinoma), unresectable, after double stenting.

• Generic Name: tacrolimus
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf, Hecoria

Tacrolimus is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (eg, kidney, liver, or heart). Tacrolimus may be used with steroids, azathioprine, basiliximab, or mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.

When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Tacrolimus works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.

Tacrolimus is a very strong medicine. It can cause side effects that can be very serious, such as kidney problems. It may also decrease the body's ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits of tacrolimus as well as the risks of using it.

Tacrolimus is available only with your doctor's prescription.