Methoxsalen

Generic name: Methoxsalen (oral)
Dosage form: oral capsule (10 mg)
Drug class: Psoralens

Usage of Methoxsalen

Methoxsalen works by enhancing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet light A (UVA).

Methoxsalen is used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis.

Methoxsalen can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer). methoxsalen is used only for severe psoriasis that has not improved with other treatments. You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking methoxsalen.

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

Methoxsalen 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.

Methoxsalen may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe skin redness within 24 hours after UVA treatment;

swelling, severe itching, or severe skin discomfort;

skin redness and swelling with blisters;

worsening of your psoriasis;

a new skin lesion, or a mole that has changed in size or color; or

blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

Mild skin redness may occur and can last for 1 or 2 days. This is a normal side effect after UVA treatment and may not be a sign of severe sunburn. Ask your doctor if you have concerns about any redness or swelling.

Common side effects of methoxsalen may include:

itching, redness;

nausea;

feeling nervous; or

sleep problems (insomnia).

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 Methoxsalen

You should not use methoxsalen if you are allergic to methoxsalen or similar medicines, or if you have:

lupus, porphyria, albinism, or other conditions that make you more sensitive to light;

a history of skin cancer (melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma); or

damage to the lenses of your eyes caused by surgery, injury, or genetic condition.

Before your UVA treatment: Do not expose your skin to sunlight for at least 24 hours before you take methoxsalen. Avoid applying sunscreen to areas of psoriasis that will be treated with UVA therapy.

You may need to have your eyes examined before you start taking methoxsalen.

To make sure methoxsalen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease;

liver or kidney disease;

a skin pigment disorder;

cataracts;

basal cell carcinoma;

extreme sensitivity to sunlight (if you sunburn easily); or

radiation or x-ray therapy, or treatment with arsenic trioxide (Trisenox).

It is not known whether methoxsalen taken orally will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

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How to use Methoxsalen

You may need to have your eyes examined first.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Methoxsalen doses are based on weight. Tell your doctor if you gain or lose weight.

You will take methoxsalen a certain number of hours before you are scheduled to receive UVA treatment. Soft gelatin capsules (Oxsoralen-Ultra) are more easily absorbed than hard gelatin capsules (8-Mop). The timing of your dose will depend on the type of capsule you are taking.

You may need to keep taking methoxsalen for a short time after UVA treatment. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Take this medicine with low-fat food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

If your doctor changes your brand, strength, or type of methoxsalen, your dose needs and UVA light therapy schedule may change. Oxsoralen-Ultra and 8-Mop are not equivalent medicines and may not have the same dosing schedule.

Methoxsalen will make you more sensitive to sunlight, which can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer).

For at least 8 hours after you take methoxsalen:

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.

Even sunlight shining through clouds or through a glass window can expose you to harmful UV rays.

Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors or near a window.

Do not apply sunscreen to areas of active psoriasis that will be treated with UVA therapy.

For 24 to 48 hours after you receive UVA treatment:

You must protect your skin and eyes from natural sunlight (even sun shining through a window).

Do not expose your skin to any sunlight. Wear protective clothing including a hat and gloves. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and apply it to all uncovered skin areas exposed to light.

Wear sunglasses for at least 24 hours after treatment.

For utmost protection, wear a pair of wraparound UVA-absorbing sunglasses, even while you are indoors near a window.

You may develop cataracts if you do not properly protect your eyes after methoxsalen and UVA treatment.

Follow your doctor's instructions about applying topical psoriasis medications or any moisturizing lotions after your methoxsalen and UVA treatment.

Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer, such as a small growth or nodule, a scaly or crusted lesion, a brownish spot or speckles, or a change in the size, color, or feel of a mole. You may need to check your skin for signs of cancer throughout the rest of your life.

Store methoxsalen at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Warnings

You should not use methoxsalen if you are sensitive to light, if you have lens damage in your eye, or if you have had skin cancer.

Methoxsalen can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin. You must avoid natural sunlight for up to 48 hours after UVA treatment.

Oxsoralen-Ultra and 8-Mop are not equivalent medicines and may not have the same dosing schedule.

What other drugs will affect Methoxsalen

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Methoxsalen can make your skin even more sensitive to sunlight if you also use certain other medicines, especially:

anthralin;

an antibiotic or a sulfa drug;

certain antimicrobial soaps;

a diuretic or "water pill";

coal tar applied to the skin or scalp--such as Neutrogena T/Gel, Psoriasin, Tegrin Medicated;

medicine to treat mental illness--fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others; or

a staining dye--such as methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, or methyl orange.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with methoxsalen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

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