Porfimer Intravenous and Vancocin HCl Pulvules

• 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: vancomycin
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: First-Vancomycin 25, First-Vancomycin 50, Vancocin HCl Pulvules, FIRST-Vancomycin, First-Vancomycin 25, First-Vancomycin 50, Firvanq, Vancocin

Vancocin HCl Pulvules is an antibiotic. Oral (taken by mouth) this medicine fights bacteria in the intestines.

Vancocin HCl Pulvules is used to treat an infection of the intestines caused by Clostridium difficile, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea. This medicine is also used to treat staph infections that can cause inflammation of the colon and small intestines.

Oral Vancocin HCl Pulvules works only in the intestines. Vancocin HCl Pulvules is not normally absorbed into the body and will not treat other types of infection. An injection form of this medication is available to treat serious infections in other parts of the body.

Vancocin HCl Pulvules may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.