Ameluz topical

Generic name: Aminolevulinic Acid (topical)
Drug class: Topical photochemotherapeutics

Usage of Ameluz topical

Ameluz causes skin cells to become more sensitive to certain types of light. Skin cells treated with this medicine will die and slough off after being exposed to a special light treatment.

Ameluz is used to treat actinic keratosis (warty overgrowths of skin) on the face and scalp. Ameluz is used together with a special light treatment, also called photodynamic therapy.

Ameluz may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ameluz topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging or burning that lasts longer than 4 weeks.

Common side effects of Ameluz may include:

pain, burning, redness, or swelling of treated skin;

itching, stinging, tingling, or prickly feeling;

scaling or crusting of the skin;

headache;

chills; or

puffy eyelids.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Ameluz topical

You should not be treated with Ameluz if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a soybean allergy; or

porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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How to use Ameluz topical

A healthcare provider will apply Ameluz directly to your skin lesions to prepare you for light treatment.

Your face and scalp may need to be treated in separate sessions if you have actinic keratosis on both areas.

If you are treated with Ameluz gel:

The treated skin will be covered with a dressing to block out light.

After 3 hours, the dressing will be removed and light treatment will be applied to the lesions.

If you are treated with Levulan Kerastick solution:

You must return to your doctor's office within 14 to 18 hours afterward to receive light treatment.

Once the solution has been applied, keep the treated skin dry.

Do not wash the skin while waiting for your light treatment.

The photodynamic light has a low intensity and will not heat your skin. However, you may feel tingling, stinging, prickling, or burning where Ameluz was applied. This discomfort is usually temporary.

For up to 48 hours, you will need to protect your skin from bright light. Sunscreen will not be effective enough to protect you while this medicine is on your skin or scalp. Avoid exposure to both sunlight and bright indoor light. Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when you are outdoors. If you feel stinging or burning of the treated skin, reduce your exposure to light.

You may have some redness, swelling, and scaling of your lesions and the surrounding skin. These symptoms should go away completely within 4 weeks.

Call your doctor if you have severe skin discomfort, or if you have new or worsening skin problems.

If your actinic keratosis lesions do not clear up completely, you may need a second treatment. Levulan Kerastick and light treatment can be repeated after 8 weeks. Ameluz and light treatment can be repeated after 3 months.

Warnings

Avoid exposure to sunlight or bright indoor light for up to 48 hours after Ameluz is applied to your skin or scalp.

What other drugs will affect Ameluz topical

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs can make you more sensitive to sunlight, especially:

an antibiotic or sulfa drug;

a diuretic or "water pill";

medicine to treat nausea or vomiting;

antipsychotic medication; or

an oral diabetes medicine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Ameluz, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Ameluz gel is applied to the lesions on your skin by your doctor, and then covered with a light blocking, occlusive dressing for three hours. After that time the gel is removed, and the area is illuminated with BF-RhodoLED red light. This is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT). Continue reading

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