Methoxsalen (topical)

Methoxsalen (topical)

Methoxsalen (topical)

Possible uses for methoxsalen

Methoxsalen is only available with a prescription and must be administered by or under your doctor's direct supervision.

Before using Methoxsalen

When deciding whether to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the benefits it produces. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make. The following should be noted with this medicine:

Methoxsalen is a very powerful medicine that increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Not only can it cause severe sunburns if used improperly, it has also been reported to increase the risk of skin cancer. Just like too much sunlight, PUVA can lead to premature skin aging. Therefore, Methoxsalen should only be used as intended and not just for tanning. Before using this medicine, make sure you have discussed its use with your doctor.

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your doctor if you have other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatrics

Studies of this medicine have only been conducted in adult patients and there is no specific information comparing the use of methoxsalen in children up to 12 years of age with use in other age groups.

geriatrics

Many drugs have not been specifically studied in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work the same way as they do in younger adults or whether they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing topical use of methoxsalen in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breastfeeding

There are insufficient studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this drug while breast-feeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines can be used together, although interactions may occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose or other precautions may be necessary. If you are taking this medicine, it is particularly important that your doctor knows whether you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions were selected for their potential significance and are not necessarily exhaustive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both medicines.

• Anagrelid
• Tegafur

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may result in an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both medicines may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both medicines.

• Fosphenytoin
• Phenytoin

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken during or near food or consumption of certain foods because interactions may occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain medications can also lead to interactions. Discuss using your medicine with food, alcohol or tobacco with your doctor.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Allergie gegen Sonnenlicht (oder Familienanamnese davon) oder
• Infektion bzw
• Lupus erythematodes oder
• Porphyrie bzw
• Hautkrebs (Vorgeschichte) oder
• Hauterkrankungen (andere) – Die Anwendung von PUVA kann die Erkrankung verschlimmern

• Herz- oder Blutgefäßerkrankung (schwerwiegend) – Die Hitze oder das längere Stehen, die mit jeder Lichtbehandlung einhergehen, können den Zustand verschlimmern

Correct use of methoxsalen

Eating certain foods while using Methoxsalen may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. To prevent this, avoid eating limes, figs, parsley, parsnips, mustard, carrots and celery while being treated with this medicine.

Use this medicine only under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Wash the treated skin area with soap and water after UVA exposure. Then use sunscreen or wear protective clothing to protect the area.

dosage

The dose of this medicine is different for different patients. Follow your doctor's instructions or the label directions. The following information includes average doses of this medicine only. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to.

The amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the medicine. In addition, the number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and how long you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• Für die Darreichungsform einer topischen Lösung:
  • Bei Vitiligo:
    • Erwachsene und Kinder ab 12 Jahren: Auf die betroffene Hautpartie auftragen und ein bis zwei Minuten trocknen lassen. Anschließend innerhalb von zwei bis zweieinhalb Stunden vor der UVA-Exposition erneut auftragen.
    • Kinder unter 12 Jahren – Anwendung und Dosierung müssen von Ihrem Arzt festgelegt werden.

Precautions when using Methoxsalen

It is important to see your doctor according to treatment instructions and have your progress checked.

This medicine increases the sensitivity of the treated skin areas to sunlight. Therefore, exposure to sunlight, even through window glass or on a cloudy day, can cause serious burns. After each light treatment, wash the treated skin areas thoroughly. If you must go out during the day, cover the treated skin areas with protective clothing or a sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for at least 12 to 48 hours after treatment. Some patients may need a product with a higher SPF, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, contact your doctor.

The treated skin areas may remain sensitive to sunlight for some time after treatment with this medicine. If you plan to be in the sun for long periods of time, use extra caution for at least 72 hours after each treatment. In addition, you should not sunbathe at any time during treatment with Methoxsalen.

This medicine may cause your skin to become dry or itch. However, consult your doctor before applying anything to your skin to treat this problem.

Methoxsalen side effects

In addition to the necessary effects, a medicine may also have some undesirable effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, medical attention may be required if they occur.

Consult your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Blasenbildung und Abschälen der Haut
• gerötete, wunde Haut
• Schwellung, insbesondere der Füße oder Unterschenkel

There is an increased risk of developing skin cancer after using methoxsalen. You should regularly check the treated areas of the body and show your doctor any non-healing skin sores, new skin growths, and skin growths that have changed in appearance or feel.

As a result of prolonged methoxsalen therapy, premature skin aging can occur. This effect is permanent and is similar to the result of prolonged sunbathing.

Some patients may also experience other side effects not listed. If you notice other side effects, contact your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand names

In the USA

• Oxsoralen

In Canada

• Ultramop

Chemical Class: Psoralen

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