Methoxsalen

METHOXSALEN - ORAL (meh-THOCK-sull-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Oxsoralen-Ultra

WARNING: Because serious side effects could occur during treatment with methoxsalen (eye lens damage, other skin problems), patients must be carefully selected and be under close medical supervision. Different brands of this drug are not interchangeable because they have significant differences in how they act in the body.

USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of skin disorders (e.g., psoriasis, vitiligo). It is used in combination with ultraviolet (UVA) light therapy.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication one and one half hour to 2 hours before UVA therapy or as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or take it more often. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased. This medication may be taken with food or milk to minimize nausea. If necessary, divide the dose in half and take each half 30 minutes apart. It is important to carefully follow instructions for exposure to ultraviolet light. Over exposure may result in serious sunburn. Do not switch brands of this drug without first checking with you doctor or pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Eye damage, cataracts, skin aging and skin cancer are risks of this medication and UVA therapy. Protect eyes by using goggles during UVA therapy. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following: stomach upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness, rash, mouth sores, fever blisters, fluid retention, leg cramps. This medication causes changes in skin color that appear after a few weeks and up to 9 months. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Certain foods may cause reactions when eaten during methoxsalen therapy. Try to avoid them. They include carrots, celery, figs, limes, mustard, parsley and parsnips. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication increases sensitivity to sunlight. Do not sunbathe 24 hours prior to using this medication. After use, avoid sun exposure for at least 8 hours. Wear protective clothing, such as hats, gloves and UVA-absorbing sunglasses. Apply broad screen sunscreens (SPF 15) to all exposed skin including lips. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: sun sensitivity, infection, lupus, porphyria, skin cancer, stomach trouble, cataracts, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, infection.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: anthralin, coal tar, griseofulvin, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, promethazine), nalidixic acid, bacteriostatic soaps, thiazide diuretics, tetracyclines, certain dyes (e.g., methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, methyl orange). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: This medication must be taken under close medical supervision. Discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor. Periodic lab tests and eye exams will be done to monitor the effectiveness of this therapy.

MISSED DOSE: If you are late in taking a dose, or miss a dose entirely, notify your doctor so your light treatment can be rescheduled.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.