What is Uvadex?
Uvadex helps by increasing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet light (UVA). Uvadex is used in conjunction with UVA treatment for skin lesions that are caused by T-cell lymphoma of the cutaneous region (CTCL). The medicine is only used to treat skin manifestations of CTCL; however, it is not able to treat lymphoma. Uvadex can be used for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Uvadex
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Uvadex could cause serious adverse effects. Should you experience:
- Extreme skin redness within 24 hours following UVA treatment;
- Swelling, extreme itching, or severe skin ailment;
- The open area of a sore or a new skin lesions that are red, scaly, raised, rough, or hardened
- An euphoric feeling, similar to you're passing out or
- Blurred vision blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye swelling or pain, or seeing halos around lights.
The appearance of skin redness or thickening can occur for several hours or days following photopheresis with Uvadex. This is a typical side effect of methoxsalen and UVA treatment. It may not indicate extreme sunburn. Consult your physician if you are concerned about swelling or redness on your skin.
Common adverse effects of Uvadex could include:
- Rash;
- Fever;
- Nausea;
- Shifts in your sense of taste
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Consult your physician if experiencing medical side effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
It is not recommended to treat with Uvadex if your eyes are sensitive to light or if there is damage to the lens within your eye.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to be treated by Uvadex if you're sensitive to Uvadex or other similar medications or:
- Albinism, porphyrias, lupus, or other ailments that cause you to be less sensitive to the light or
- Lens damage in the eyes due to surgery, injury, or a genetic disorder.
Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- A severe sunburn;
- A skin pigment disorder;
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Radiation therapy, x-ray therapy, or treatment using arsenic trioxide (Trisenox);
- Kidney disease or liver failure;
- Cataracts
- Coronary heart disease.
Uvadex can harm a newborn baby. Use effective birth control to stop pregnancy. Consult a physician if you become pregnant.. Nursing mothers should not breastfeed while taking this medication.. Consult your physician regarding any risks.
How to take Uvadex?
Uvadex may be taken as part of a process called photopheresis (pronounced FOE-toe-fe-REE-sis). In photopheresis, a portion of the blood is taken via a tiny tube (catheter) that is inserted in the vein. The catheter is connected to a device that is able to separate the white blood cells of your body from the other components of your blood.
White blood cells are then blended by Uvadex and exposed to UVA light. Once injected into your body, the treated blood cells are able to strengthen your immune system, helping to reduce the appearance of lesions on your skin due to CTCL. The treatment is typically given for two consecutive days every four weeks for at most six months.
Uvadex can make you more sensitive to sunlight, which could have negative consequences for your eyesight and skin (premature aging as well as the development of skin cancer).
At least 24 hours following the photopheresis therapy:
- It is important to shield your eyes and skin from the sun's natural rays (even the sun shining through the window).
- Avoid exposing your skin to sunrays. Wear protective clothing, including gloves and a hat. Make sure you use sunscreen with at least 15 SPF. Apply it to all skin areas that are exposed to light.
- Wear the wraparound UVA-absorbing sunglasses for at least 24 hours following treatment, even when you're close to windows.
There is a chance that you will develop cataracts. If you don't properly ensure your eyes are protected after every photopheresis procedure,
Be sure to check your skin for any signs of skin cancer, like small nodules or growths with a crusty or scaly lesion that is brownish or has speckles, or changes in size, color, or the feel of the mole. You might need to look at your skin for any signs of cancer over the remainder of your life.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your physician for further instructions. If you do not make an appointment for your photopheresis procedure,
What happens if I overdose?
Take immediate steps, or contact our Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 for help.You'll be very sensitive to light after an overdose.
What should be avoided?
Do not expose yourself to artificial UV rays in between treatments.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of any other medications you are taking. Uvadex could make your skin more sensitive to sunlight if you use other medications, including:
- Anthralin;
- An anti-inflammatory or sulfa medication;
- A bacteriostatic soap;
- A diuretic, or "water pill";
- Coal tar is applied to the scalp or skin, such as Neutrogena Gel, Psoriasin, and Tegrin Medicated;
- Medicine to treat mental illness—fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others; or
- Use staining dyes like methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal or methyl orange as staining solutions.
This list isn't comprehensive. Other drugs can interact with Uvadex, which includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins or herbs. There are many possible interactions between drugs listed here.
