Foscan

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ANNEX I 

 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 

Foscan 1 mg/ml solution for injection  

 

 

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 

 

Each ml contains 1 mg of temoporfin.  

 

Excipients with known effect 

Each ml contains 376 mg of ethanol anhydrous and 560 mg of propylene glycol.  

 

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1 

 

 

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 

Solution for injection 

Dark purple solution 

 

 

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 

4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 

Foscan is indicated for the palliative treatment of patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell 

carcinoma failing prior therapies and unsuitable for radiotherapy, surgery or systemic chemotherapy.  

 

4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 

Foscan photodynamic therapy must only be administered in specialist oncology centres in which a 

multidisciplinary team assesses patient treatment and under the supervision of physicians experienced 

in photodynamic therapy.  

 

Posology 

 

The dose is 0.15 mg/kg body weight.  

 

Paediatric population 

There is no relevant use of Foscan in the paediatric population. 

 

Method of administration 

 

Foscan is administered via an in-dwelling intravenous cannula in a large proximal limb vein, 

preferably in the antecubital fossa, as a single slow intravenous injection over not less than 6 minutes. 

The patency of the in-dwelling cannula should be tested before injection and every precaution taken 

against extravasation (see section 4.4).  

 

The dark purple colour of the solution, together with the amber vials makes a visual check for 

particulates impossible. Thus, an in-line filter must be used as a precautionary measure and is provided 

in the package. Foscan shall not be diluted nor flushed with sodium chloride or any other aqueous 

solution. 

 

The required dose of Foscan is administered by slow intravenous injection, over not less than 6 

minutes. 96 hours after the administration of Foscan, the treatment site is to be illuminated with light 

at 652 nm from an approved laser source. Light must be delivered to the entire surface of the tumour 



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using an approved microlens fibre-optic. Wherever possible, the illuminated area must extend beyond 

the tumour margin by a distance of 0.5 cm. 

 

Light must be administered not less than 90 hours and not more than 110 hours after Foscan injection.  

 

The incident light dose is 20 J/cm2, delivered at an irradiance of 100 mW/cm2 to the tumour surface, 

implying an illumination time of approximately 200 seconds. 

 

Each field is to be illuminated once only at each treatment. Multiple non-overlapping fields may be 

illuminated. Care must be taken to ensure that no area of tissue receives more than the specified light 

dose. Tissue outside the target area must be shielded completely to avoid photoactivation by scattered 

or reflected light. 

 

A second course of treatment may be given at the discretion of the treating physician in patients where 

additional tumour necrosis and removal is deemed appropriate, with a recommended minimum 

interval of 4 weeks between treatments.  

 

4.3 Contraindications 

 

 Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.  

 Porphyria or other diseases exacerbated by light.  

 Hypersensitivity to porphyrins. 

 Tumours known to be eroding into a major blood vessel in or adjacent to the illumination site. 

 A planned surgical procedure within the next 30 days. 

 Co-existing ophthalmic disease likely to require slit-lamp examination within the next 30 days. 

 Existing therapy with a photosensitizing agent. 
 

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 

All patients who receive Foscan will become temporarily photosensitive. Precautions must be taken to 

avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light during the first 15 days after 

injection. Skin photosensitivity reactions are caused by visible light; therefore ultraviolet sunscreens 

provide no protection. It is important that patients are re-introduced to normal light gradually (see the 

light protection guidelines for patients at the end of this section). 

 

For 6 months following Foscan treatment prolonged direct sunlight exposure of the injection site arm 

shall be avoided. As a precautionary measure, if prolonged outdoor activity is planned, the injection 

arm should be protected by wearing a long sleeved, coloured shirt.  

 

Clinicians should be aware that most of the toxicities associated with photodynamic therapy are local 

effects seen as consequence of photoactivation. Photoactivation induces local tissue damage resulting 

in acute inflammatory response. This response is commonly associated with oedema and pain, 

followed by necrosis. The photodynamic effect may also lead to damage of the surrounding tissue that 

may cause fistula, perforation, or vascular rupture as well as infection and subsequent sepsis. It is 

therefore important that during photoactivation by laser illumination care should be taken to protect 

normal tissue surrounding the tumour from photoactivation by proper illumination and shielding 

techniques. Proactively managing the local effects and diminishing photoactivation in non-tumour 

areas is important to manage the risks. 

 

Special care must be taken to prevent extravasation at the injection site. If extravasation occurs, 

protect the area from light for at least 3 months. There is no known benefit from injecting the 

extravasation site with another substance. 

 

Adverse reactions, including cholangitis, cholecystitis, liver abscess and oesophageal perforation have 

been reported after unapproved use in the treatment of malignant biliary strictures and mesothelioma. 

There is a risk of damage of the surrounding area following photoactivation. 

 



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Unplanned or emergency surgical procedures where Foscan has been administered within the previous 

30 days must be undertaken only if absolutely necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risk to 

the patient. All precautions must be taken to avoid direct illumination of the patient with surgical 

lamps during these procedures. The use of headlamps is recommended instead. 

 

Some pulse oximeters may produce light of a wavelength close to that used for the photoactivation of 

Foscan. Oximeters must be repositioned at least every 10-15 minutes to avoid the risk of local skin 

burns. 

 

Pain, other than injection site pain, listed in section 4.8 may require the use of NSAIDs or opiate 

analgesics for a short time following treatment. Pain occurs the day after illumination and usually lasts 

2 to 4 weeks. 

 

Illumination of airways may lead to local inflammation and oedema. The resulting complications (i.e. 

dyspnoea or even airway obstruction leading to, for instance, intubation or tracheotomy) should be 

anticipated. Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids should be considered. 

 

Clinicians must counsel patients to observe the following precautions that are provided in the Package 

Leaflet. 

 



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Time after  
Foscan Injection 

What should I do to prevent burns? 

 
Day 1 (0-24 
hours) 

 
Stay indoors in a darkened room. Keep the curtains drawn and use light bulbs of 
60 W or less. 
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. 
 

 
Days 2-7 

 
You can gradually return to normal indoor lighting. Remember to avoid direct 
sunlight coming through the window or direct light from household 
appliances such as reading lamps. You may watch television.  
 
You can go outdoors after dusk. 
 
If it is absolutely necessary to go outdoors during the hours of daylight, you 
must be careful to cover up all your skin including your face and hands and 
wear dark glasses.  
 
The type of clothes you must wear are: 

 Wide-brimmed hat: for head, neck, nose and ears. 
 Scarf: for head and neck. 
 Sunglasses with side panels: for eyes and skin around eyes. 
 Long sleeved top: for upper body/arms. 
 Long trousers: for lower body/legs. 
 Gloves: for hands, wrist and fingers. 
 Socks: for feet and ankles. 
 Closed shoes: for feet. 
 Do not wear very thin clothing because it will not protect you from 

strong light. Wear dark, closely woven clothing. 
 If you expose yourself to light by mistake, you may get a prickly or 

burning feeling on the skin. You must get out of the light immediately. 
 

Your eyes may be very sensitive to bright lights during this week. You may get 
eye pain or headache when lights are switched on. If you have this problem, 
wear dark glasses. 
 

 
Days 8-14 

 
You can now begin to go outside during daylight hours. Stay in shaded areas or 
go out when it is cloudy. Continue to wear dark, closely woven clothing. 
 
Start on Day 8 with 10-15 minutes outdoors. If you do not see any skin redness 
in the next 24 hours, you can gradually increase your time outdoors during the 
week. 
 
Avoid direct sunlight or strong indoor lighting. Stay in the shade. 
 

 
Day 15 onward 

 
Your sensitivity to light is gradually getting back to normal.  
 
You must test this carefully by exposing the back of your hand to the sun for 
5 minutes. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any redness. If there is redness, you 
should avoid direct sunlight for another 24 hours. You can then repeat the test. 
 
If there is no redness, you can gradually increase your exposure to sunlight day 
by day. Do not stay in the sunlight for more than 15 minutes the first time. Most 
people will be able to go back to their normal routine by Day 22.  
 
On the first day after the skin test, you can stay in direct sunlight for 15 
minutes. You can increase your exposure by another 15 minutes each day i.e. 
second day 30 minutes, third day 45 minutes, fourth day 60 minutes and so on. 
If at any time you notice a prickly or burning feeling or see skin reddening after 
exposure to sun, wait until this disappears before exposing your skin to light for 
this length of time again. 
 
For 30 days following Foscan treatment, avoid eye tests that use bright lights. 



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For 3 months following Foscan treatment, avoid UV tanning beds. Do not 
sunbathe. 
 
For 6 months following Foscan treatment, care should be taken to avoid direct 
prolonged sunlight exposure of the arm used for Foscan injection. As a 
precautionary measure, if prolonged outdoor activity is planned, the injection 
arm should be protected by wearing long sleeved, coloured clothing. 

 

This medicinal product contains 48 vol % ethanol (alcohol), i.e up to 4.2 g per dose, equivalent to 84 

ml of beer, 35 ml wine per dose. Harmful for those suffering from alcoholism. To be taken into 

account in pregnant or breast-feeding women, children and high-risk groups such as patients with liver 

disease or epilepsy.The amount of alcohol in this medicinal product may alter the effects of other 

medicines.The amount of alcohol in this medicinal product may impair the ability to drive or use 

machines. 

 

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 

There is potential for exacerbation of skin photosensitivity if temoporfin is used with other 

photosensitising active substances. Such a reaction has been reported with topical 5-fluorouracil. 

 

No other interactions have been observed. An in vitro study with human liver tissue has shown no 

potential for drug interaction through inhibition of cytochrome P-450 enzymes by temoporfin. 

 

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 

Pregnancy 

 

There are no data from the use of temoporfin in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown 

reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Foscan should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical 

condition of the woman requires treatment with temoporfin. 

 

Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during and up 3 months after 

treatment. 

 

Breast-feeding 

It is unknown whether temoporfin/metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the 

newborns/infants cannot be excluded. Breast-feeding should be discontinued for at least one month 

following injection of Foscan. 

 

Fertility 

 

The effects of Foscan on fertility in humans have not been studied. 

 

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 

The amount of alcohol in this medicinal product may impair the ability to drive or use machines. 

 

On the basis of the pharmacodynamic profile, temoporfin is presumed to be safe or unlikely to 

produce an effect. To avoid photosensitivity problems, it is advised not to drive during the first  

15 days after injection, and to use machines only if it is practical to do so under subdued lighting 

conditions according to the recommended lighting precautions (see section 4.4). Driving and use of 

machines may resume under normal lighting or daylight conditions once photosensitivity has been 

shown to have subsided. 

 



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4.8 Undesirable effects 
 

Summary of the safety profile 

 

All patients who receive Foscan will become temporarily photosensitive and must be instructed to 

observe precautions to avoid sunlight and bright indoor light. Regarding the tabulated adverse 

reactions gastrointestinal disorders, adverse skin reactions and general disorders and administration 

site conditions are the most frequently observed adverse reactions. 

 

Most of the toxicities associated with photodynamic therapy are local effects seen in the region of 

illumination and occasionally in surrounding tissues. The local adverse reactions are characteristic of 

an acute tissue inflammatory response induced by photoactivation and commonly include oedema and 

pain followed by necrosis (see section 4.4). 

 

Photosensitivity reactions may occur, however, complying with the light protection guidelines (see 

above section 4.4) and avoiding unnecessary indoor light during illumination reduces this risk. 

 

The low number of treated patients did not allow identification of adverse reactions, which may be 

categorised as uncommon and rare. Injection site pain is transient and can be reduced by slowing the 

injection rate. For treatment of other types of pain listed in this section, please see section 4.4. 

 

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions 

 

Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 

to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from 

the available data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of 

decreasing seriousness. 

 

 

System Organ Class Undesirable effects 

 

Infections and infestations Common: 

Localised infection in the area of photoactivation, 

e.g. pharyngitis, stomatitis 

Unknown: 

Sepsis1 

Blood and lymphatic system disorders Common:  

Anaemia 

Nervous system disorders Common:  

Dizziness, burning sensation 

Vascular disorders Very common:  

Haemorrhage 

Unknown: 

Vascular rupture: see section 4.3 

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Unknown:  

Airway obstruction3 

Gastrointestinal disorders Very common:  

Constipation, stomatitis necrotising, dysphagia 

Common:  

Vomiting, nausea, mouth ulceration 

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Common:  

Blister, erythema, skin hyperpigmentations, 

photosensitivity reaction, skin necrosis2 

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone 

disorders 

Common:  

Trismus3 

Unknown: 

Fistula2 



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General disorders and administration site 

conditions 

Very common:  

Pain in the photoactivated area, e.g. facial pain, 

headache, injection site pain, oedema in the 

photoactivated area, e.g. face oedema, tongue 

oedema 

Common: 

Pyrexia, injection site reaction, oedema 

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications Very common:  

Scar2 

Common:  

Thermal burn, sunburn2 
1 As a consequence of local infection 
2 In the photoactivated area 
3 As a consequence of local oedema 

 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 

allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 

professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 

listed in Appendix V. 

 

4.9 Overdose 
 

In the event of an overdose, laser treatment would result in deeper tumour necrosis than would be 

expected with the recommended dose. Illumination of the tumour should only be carried out if the 

potential benefit justifies the potential risk of excessive necrosis. If the tumour is not illuminated, a 

period of at least 4 weeks between overdose and re-administration of Foscan must be allowed. 

 

The adverse reactions associated with overdose would be expected to be limited to photosensitivity 

reactions. Exposure to ambient light after overdose carries an increased risk of photosensitivity 

reactions. Published clinical research has shown that the duration and intensity of photosensitivity at 

the recommended dose of 0.15 mg/kg were reduced by one third relative to a dose of 0.3 mg/kg. 

Animal studies have shown some haematological and blood chemistry changes (decreased platelets, 

erythrocytes and haemoglobin, increased neutrophils, fibrinogen, bilirubin, triglyceride and 

cholesterol).  

 

Strict observance of the reduced light regime is required. A skin photosensitivity test must be carried 

out before the patient returns to normal light conditions. 

 

No specific systemic symptoms are known to be associated with overdose. Treatment should be 

supportive. 

 

Limited information is available on the effects of overexposure to laser light during treatment. 

Increased damage to tissue was noted. 

 

 

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, other antineoplastic agents, ATC code: L01XD05. 

 

Temoporfin is a photosensitising agent used in the photodynamic therapy of tumours.  

 

The pharmacological activity is initiated by photoactivation of temoporfin with non-thermal light at 

652 nm following intravenous administration. The therapeutic effect is mediated through the 



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generation of highly reactive oxygen species, a process dependent on the intracellular interaction of 

temoporfin with light and oxygen. 

 

In a clinical trial of 147 patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, tumour 

response, defined as a reduction of a minimum of 50 % of the tumour mass for a minimum of four 

weeks, was observed in 25 % after a single treatment. A WHO local complete response was observed 

in 14 % of patients. Tumour responses are enhanced in patients with fully illuminated lesions of 

10 mm or less in depth.  

 

The median observed duration of tumour response for all patients was 57 days for overall response and 

84 days for complete response.  
 

Thirty-seven patients received at least 2 treatments with Foscan. Ten patients achieved a tumour 

response due to re-treatment. Of these, 6 had a complete local response according to WHO criteria. 

 

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 

Temoporfin is a low clearance substance with a terminal plasma half-life of 65 hours in patients. Peak 

plasma levels occur at 2-4 hours post-injection thereafter plasma levels decline in a bi-exponential 

manner. An extensive volume of distribution is observed that is intermediate between total and 

extracellular body water. Temoporfin does not concentrate in the tissues. Plasma protein binding is at 

85-87 %. Temoporfin is bound to plasma lipoproteins and high density proteins such as albumin in the 

blood. By 15 days post-infusion, temoporfin plasma concentration has declined to background such 

that patients are generally able to begin a gradual return to normal outdoor lighting conditions. 

 

Limited data are available on the elimination of temoporfin in humans. Animal data show temoporfin 

is exclusively eliminated by the liver into the bile and excreted in the faeces. Two major metabolites of 

temoporfin are eliminated into the bile. There is no enterohepatic recirculation of these metabolites. 

Both these metabolites show conjugated character. No metabolites are seen in the systemic circulation. 

 

5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 

In repeated dose toxicity studies in rats and dogs, the main undesirable effects of temoporfin were 

phototoxicity and adverse injection site reactions. Local irritancy of Foscan solution for injection after 

intravenous administration occurred with all doses. High rates of administration caused death in dogs 

and rabbits. No other signs of toxicity were found, however, in dogs treated with the recommended 

therapeutic dose, systemic exposure exceeded that of humans. 

 

The genotoxicity of temoporfin has been investigated to a limited extent. Due to the generation of 

reactive oxygen species, temoporfin poses a minor risk of mutagenicity. This risk can be controlled in 

the clinical situation by minimising direct exposure to light (see section 4.4). 

 

In developmental toxicity studies in rabbits, temoporfin, at systemic exposures equal to those obtained 

in humans with the recommended therapeutic dose, caused an increase in early post-implantation loss. 

Although no other developmental effects were observed, the applied doses were not sufficiently in 

excess of the human therapeutic dose to provide an adequate margin of safety. 

 

 

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 

6.1 List of excipients 
 

Ethanol, anhydrous (E1510) 

Propylene glycol (E1520) 

 

6.2 Incompatibilities 
 



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In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal 

products. 

 

Foscan must not be diluted with aqueous solutions. 

 

6.3 Shelf life 
 

5 years 

Once opened, the solution must be used immediately. 

 

6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 

Do not store above 25 oC. 

Store in the original package in order to protect from light. 

 

6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 

Type I amber glass vials with a bromobutyl elastomer stopper and aluminium seal containing either 

1 ml or 3 ml or 6 ml of solution for injection.   

 

Each pack contains 1 vial and a filter with Luer lock connections for syringe and cannula. Not all pack 

sizes may be marketed. 

 

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 

Appropriate precaution must be taken when handling this medicinal product. Studies have shown that 

Foscan is non-irritant. Each vial represents a single dose and any unused solution must be discarded. 

 

Foscan is photosensitive. Once removed from its packaging it must be administered immediately. 

Where delay is unavoidable, the solution must be protected from light. 

 

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 

requirements. 

 

 

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 

biolitec Pharma Ltd. 

Otto-Schott-Str. 15 

07745 Jena 

Germany 

 

 

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 

EU/1/01/197/003 

EU/1/01/197/004 

EU/1/01/197/005 

 

 

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 

Date of first authorisation: 24 October 2001 

Date of latest renewal: 22 September 2011 

 
 

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 



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Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 

Agency: http://www.ema.europa.eu 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


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ANNEX II 

 

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 
AND USE 

 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 
THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 

PRODUCT 



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A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 

 

Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release 

 

biolitec Pharma Ltd. 

Otto-Schott-Str. 15 

07745 Jena 

Germany 

 

 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 

 

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (See Annex I: Summary of Product 

Characteristics, section 4.2) 

 

 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 

 

 Periodic Safety Update Reports 
  

The requirements for submission of periodic safety update reports for this medicinal product are 

set out in the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of 

Directive 2001/83/EC and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-

portal. 

 

 

 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

 Risk Management Plan (RMP)  
 

The MAH shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities and interventions detailed in the 

agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the Marketing Authorisation and any agreed subsequent 

updates of the RMP.  

 

An updated RMP should be submitted:  

•At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 

•Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information being 

received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of an important 

(pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached. 

 

 

 



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ANNEX III 

 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 
 

 



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A. LABELLING 



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PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  

 

OUTER CARTON OF 1 MG/ML 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

Foscan 1 mg/ml solution for injection 

Temoporfin 

 

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 

 

Each ml contains 1 mg of temoporfin. 

 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

Ethanol anhydrous and propylene glycol (see package leaflet for further information)  

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Solution for injection 1 mg/1 ml 

Solution for injection 3 mg/3 ml 

Solution for injection 6 mg/6 ml 

Sterile filter 

 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

For intravenous use 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

Single dose. Discard the remainder after use. 

 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

Do not store above 25 oC. 

Store in the original package in order to protect from light. 

 



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10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

biolitec Pharma Ltd. 

Otto-Schott-Str. 15 

07745 Jena 

Germany 

 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  

 

EU/1/01/197/003 (1 ml) 

EU/1/01/197/004 (3 ml) 

EU/1/01/197/005 (6 ml) 
 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot  

 

  

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

Medicinal product subject to medical prescription 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

Justification for not including Braille accepted



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MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 

 

VIAL LABEL OF 1 MG/ML 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Foscan 1 mg/ml solution for injection 

Temoporfin 

Intravenous use 

 

 

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

 

 

3. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

 

4. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 

 

1 mg/1 ml 

3 mg/3 ml 

6 mg/6 ml 

 

 

6. OTHER 

 

 



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B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 

 



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Package leaflet: Information for the patient 

 

Foscan 1 mg/ml solution for injection 

Temoporfin 

 

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains 

important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or nurse. 
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects 

not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 

 

What is in this leaflet  
 

1. What Foscan is and what it is used for 

2. What you need to know before you use Foscan  

3. How to use Foscan 

4. Possible side effects 

5. How to store Foscan 

6.  Contents of the pack and other information 

 

 

1. What Foscan is and what it is used for 
 

The active ingredient in Foscan is temoporfin.  

 

Foscan is a porphyrin photosensitising medicine, which increases your sensitivity to light and is 

activated by light from a laser in a treatment called photodynamic therapy. 

 

Foscan is used for the treatment of head and neck cancer in patients who cannot be treated with other 

therapies. 

 

 

2. What you need to know before you use Foscan 
 

Do not use Foscan 
- if you are allergic to temoporfin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6), 

- if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to porphyrins, 
- if you have porphyria, or any other disease that is made worse by light, 
- if the tumour being treated goes through a large blood vessel, 
- if you are going to have an operation in the next 30 days, 
- if you have an eye disease which needs examination with bright light in the next 30 days, 
- if you are already being treated with a photosensitising agent. 

 



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Warnings and precautions 

 

 Foscan will make you sensitive to light for about 15 days after your injection. This means that 
normal daylight or bright indoor lighting could give you skin burns. To stop this, you must 

follow carefully the instructions for gradual exposure to increasing light levels indoors over 

the first week and outdoor, shaded light during the second week after treatment (please see the 

table at the end of this leaflet).  

 Please speak to your doctor about this before you go home after being injected with Foscan.  

 Sunscreen creams will not prevent this sensitivity.  

 You will gradually become less sensitive to light. Normally, people are able to begin to return 
to normal outdoor lighting after 15 days.  

 Do not let an optician or ophthalmologist examine your eyes with bright lights for 30 days 
after Foscan injection. 

 Do not use UV sunbeds or sunbathe for 3 months after Foscan injection. 

 For 6 months following Foscan treatment, avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure of the 
injection site arm. As a precautionary measure, if prolonged outdoor activity is planned, 

protect your injection arm by wearing long sleeved, coloured clothing. 

 

The table of instructions tells you what to do to prevent skin burns. You must follow these 

instructions carefully.  

 

Please ask your doctor or nurse if you are not sure about anything. 

 
Time after  

Foscan Injection 
What should I do to prevent burns? 

 
Day 1 (0-24 
hours) 

 
Stay indoors in a darkened room. Keep the curtains drawn and use light bulbs of 
60 W or less. 
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. 
 

 
Days 2-7 

 
You can gradually return to normal indoor lighting. Remember to avoid direct 
sunlight coming through the window or direct light from household 
appliances such as reading lamps. You may watch television.  
 
You can go outdoors after dusk. 
 
If it is absolutely necessary to go outdoors during the hours of daylight, you 
must be careful to cover up all your skin including your face and hands and 
wear dark glasses.  
 
The type of clothes you must wear are: 

 Wide-brimmed hat: for head, neck, nose and ears. 
 Scarf: for head and neck. 
 Sunglasses with side panels: for eyes and skin around eyes. 
 Long sleeved top: for upper body/arms. 
 Long trousers: for lower body/legs. 
 Gloves: for hands, wrist and fingers. 
 Socks: for feet and ankles. 
 Closed shoes: for feet. 
 Do not wear very thin clothing because it will not protect you from 

strong light. Wear dark, closely woven clothing. 
 If you expose yourself to light by mistake, you may get a prickly or 

burning feeling on the skin. You must get out of the light immediately. 
 

Your eyes may be very sensitive to bright lights during this week. You may get 
eye pain or headache when lights are switched on. If you have this problem, 
wear dark glasses. 
 

 
Days 8-14 

 
You can now begin to go outside during daylight hours. Stay in shaded areas or 
go out when it is cloudy. Continue to wear dark, closely woven clothing. 



 22 

 
Start on Day 8 with 10-15 minutes outdoors. If you do not see any skin redness 
in the next 24 hours, you can gradually increase your time outdoors during the 
week. 
 
Avoid direct sunlight or strong indoor lighting. Stay in the shade. 
 

 
Day 15 onward 

 
Your sensitivity to light is gradually getting back to normal.  
 
You must test this carefully by exposing the back of your hand to the sun for 
5 minutes. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any redness. If there is redness, you 
should avoid direct sunlight for another 24 hours. You can then repeat the test. 
 
If there is no redness, you can gradually increase your exposure to sunlight day 
by day. Do not stay in the sunlight for more than 15 minutes the first time. Most 
people will be able to go back to their normal routine by Day 22.  
 
On the first day after the skin test, you can stay in direct sunlight for 15 
minutes. You can increase your exposure by another 15 minutes each day i.e. 
second day 30 minutes, third day 45 minutes, fourth day 60 minutes and so on. 
If at any time you notice a prickly or burning feeling or see skin reddening after 
exposure to sun, wait until this disappears before exposing your skin to light for 
this length of time again. 
 
For 30 days following Foscan treatment, avoid eye tests that use bright lights. 
For 3 months following Foscan treatment, avoid UV tanning beds. Do not 
sunbathe. 
 
For 6 months following Foscan treatment, care should be taken to avoid direct 
prolonged sunlight exposure of the arm used for Foscan injection. As a 
precautionary measure, if prolonged outdoor activity is planned, the injection 
arm should be protected by wearing long sleeved, coloured clothing. 

 

Other medicines and Foscan 
Tell your doctor if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. 

 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding 

 You must avoid becoming pregnant for 3 months after Foscan treatment. 

 Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine if you are pregnant. 
 

Do not breast-feed for at least 1 month after Foscan injection. 

 

Driving and using machines 

 The amount of alcohol in this medicine may impair your ability to drive or use machines for a 
few hours after injection.  

 It is not recommended to drive or operate machines for the first 15 days after Foscan injection, 
because of the recommended light exposure restrictions 

 

Foscan contains ethanol (alcohol): 

 This product contains 48 vol % ethanol (alcohol), i.e up to 4.2 g per dose, equivalent to 84 ml 
of beer, 35 ml wine per dose. This product is also harmful for those suffering from alcoholism. 

Pregnant or breast-feeding women, children and high-risk groups such as patients with liver 

disease or epilepsy are also at risk. 

The amount of alcohol in this product may alter the effects of other medicines. 

 

 

3. How to use Foscan 
 

 Your doctor or nurse will give you Foscan by a slow injection into a vein, which will take 
approximately 6 minutes. 



 23 

 

 Four days after your injection, your doctor will treat your cancer with laser light. Your doctor 
will cover the normal tissue surrounding your cancer and then shine the laser light directly at 

the cancer for about 5 minutes. The laser light is not hot and will not burn. 

 

If you are given more Foscan than you should 

 You may not be given the laser treatment.  

 You may be sensitive to light for more than 15 days.  
 

You must follow carefully the instructions on preventing skin burns. 

 

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or nurse.  

 

 

4. Possible side effects 
 

Like all medicines, Foscan can cause side effects.  

 

 Everyone who takes Foscan will become sensitive to light for about 15 days after injection. 

 You must follow the instructions given to you to avoid sunlight and bright indoor light.  

 These instructions are written in this leaflet. Your doctor will also tell you what to do.  

If you do not follow these instructions, you may get severe sunburn that leads to permanent 

scarring. 

 

Most of the side effects related with photodynamic therapy are local effects seen as consequence of 

triggering the Foscan with the laser. You may feel pain after the laser treatment. This pain will be 

controlled with painkillers. Please let your doctor or nurse know if you have pain or if the painkillers 

you have been given are not taking the pain away. Furthermore you will probably notice swelling and 

reddening around the area that has been treated. You may be given some medicine to reduce the 

swelling. After 2 to 4 days, the treated area will turn black. This blackness is caused by dead cancer 

cells (necrosis). Foscan may also damage the tissue that is surrounding the tumour. 

 

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): 

 You may feel some pain when Foscan is injected.  

 After the laser treatment, you may feel pain in the treated area, e.g. pain in your face or 
headache. 

 There may also be bleeding, ulcers, swelling in the treated area like swelling of your face or 
tongue, and scarring. 

 You may get constipation. 
These effects may make it difficult to eat and drink.  

 

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 

 There may be some irritation, a burning sensation or skin damage where Foscan is injected, 
but this will not last long.  

 You may also get ulcers, blisters, skin redness, or skin darkening.  

 Vomiting 

 Fever 

 Nausea 

 Anaemia 

 Light sensitivity 

 Sunburn 

 Burns 

 Difficulty with swallowing 

 Giddiness  

 There may be swelling or you may have a stiff jaw. Some people may get an infection in the 
treated area, e.g. inflammation of the throat or mouth. 



 24 

 

Events occurring at a frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available 

data): 

 Airway blocking as consequence of swelling in the treated area 

 Fistula in the treated area 

 Sepsis 

 Vascular rupture 
 

Serious side effects such as inflammation of bile duct or gallbladder, liver abscess or perforation in the 

treated area have been reported when used in other cancer than head and neck. Talk to your doctor for 

more information. 

 

Reporting of side effects 

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not 

listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in 

Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this 

medicine. 

 

 

5. How to store Foscan 
 

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and the carton. The expiry 

date refers to the last day of that month. 

Foscan will be stored at the hospital pharmacy. 

Do not store above 25 oC. 

Store in the original package in order to protect from light. Once removed from its package, this 

medicine must be used immediately. 

Each vial is a single dose and any unused medicine must be discarded. 

 

 

6. Contents of the pack and other information 

 

What Foscan contains 

 

- The active substance is temoporfin. Each ml contains 1 mg of temoporfin. 
- The other ingredients are ethanol anhydrous (E1510) and propylene glycol (E1520). 
 

What Foscan looks like and contents of the pack 

 

Foscan solution for injection is a dark purple solution in an amber glass vial, containing 1 ml, 3 ml or 

6 ml of solution.  

Each pack contains 1 glass vial and a filter. 

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 

 

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 

 

biolitec Pharma Ltd. 

Otto-Schott-Str. 15 

07745 Jena 

Germany 

Tel.: +49 3641 5195330 

Fax: +49 3641 5195331 

 

 

This leaflet was last revised in  

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


 25 

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 

http://www.ema.europa.eu 

 

 



 26 

 

 

The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only 

 

Foscan 1 mg/ml solution for injection 

Temoporfin  

 

 

1. PACK CONTENTS 
 

The active substance is temoporfin. Each ml of solution contains 1 mg of temoporfin. The excipients 

are ethanol anhydrous and propylene glycol. A filter with Luer lock connections for syringe and 

cannula is provided. 

 

Each pack provides 1 vial containing 1 ml, 3 ml or 6 ml solution for injection. 

 

Each vial represents a single dose and any unused solution must be discarded. 

 

 

2. CALCULATION OF DOSE 
 

Calculate the required dose of Foscan according to the bodyweight of the patient. The dose is  

0.15 mg/kg bodyweight. 

 

 

3. ADMINISTRATION OF FOSCAN (96 hours prior to laser illumination of treatment site) 
 

Foscan must be administered intravenously via an in-dwelling cannula in a large proximal limb vein, 

preferably in the antecubital fossa. The patency of the in-dwelling cannula should be tested before 

injection. 

 

The dark purple colour of the solution together with the amber vial makes a visual check for 

particulates impossible. Thus, an in-line filter must be used as a precautionary measure and is provided 

in the package. 

 

Draw up the entire contents of the vial containing Foscan into a syringe and expel air (Figure 1). 

 

Figure 1 

 

 

 



 27 

Attach the filter to the syringe (Figure 2). 

 

Figure 2 

 

Press the syringe plunger to fill all dead space within the filter. Continue pressing the plunger to expel 

excess Foscan until the required volume is left in the syringe, allowing sufficient to cover the dead 

space in the intravenous cannula (Figure 3). 

 

Figure 3 

 

 

Attach the syringe and filter to the cannula. Administer the required dose of Foscan by slow 

intravenous injection, over not less than 6 minutes (Figure 4). 

 

Figure 4 

 

 

Remove the intravenous cannula immediately following the injection. Do NOT flush with 

aqueous solutions such as sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection or water for 

injections. 

 

 

Special care should be taken to prevent extravasation at the injection site. If extravasation occurs, 

protect the area from light for at least 3 months. There is no known benefit from injecting the 

extravasation site with another substance. 

 



 28 

 

Foscan is photosensitive. Once removed from its packaging it should be administered immediately. 

Where delay is unavoidable, the solution must be protected from light. 

 

 

4. LASER ILLUMINATION OF TREATMENT SITE 
 

Please refer to the laser user manual, and to the microlens fibre-optic user leaflet. 

 

96 hours after the administration of Foscan, the treatment site is to be illuminated with light at 652 nm 

from an approved laser source. Light must be delivered to the entire surface of the tumour using an 

approved microlens fibre-optic. Wherever possible, the illuminated area must extend beyond the 

tumour margin by a distance of 0.5 cm. 

 

Light must be administered not less than 90 hours and not more than 110 hours after Foscan injection.  

 

The incident light dose is 20 J/cm2, delivered by the microlens fibre-optic in a circular field to the 

tumour surface at an irradiance of 100 mW/cm2, implying an illumination time of 200 seconds. 

 

Each field is to be illuminated once only at each treatment. Multiple non-overlapping fields may be 

illuminated. Care must be taken to ensure that no area of tissue receives more than the specified light 

dose. Tissue outside the target area must be shielded completely to avoid photoactivation by scattered 

or reflected light. 

 

 

5. SAFETY INFORMATION 

 

Foscan is non-irritant. 

 

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 

requirements. 

 
 

 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET