Side effects

Photodynamic therapy
Side effects

As with all treatments, patients may experience some side effects following treatment with PDT. Following administration of the photosensitising agent, patients become highly sensitive to light. Precautions must be taken to avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor lighting for a specified period following injection. Appropriate clothing and eyewear must be worn to prevent photosensitivity reactions. Other temporary side effects following PDT may include pain, which can be controlled with painkillers, swelling, difficulty swallowing and bleeding.