What is Levulan Kerastick?
Levulan kerastick makes skin cells more sensitive to light. After being exposed to special light treatments, skin cells treated with Levulan Kerastick will die and shed.Levulan Kerastick can be used to treat actinic keratosis on the scalp and face. Levulan kerastick can be used in conjunction with a photodynamic treatment.Levulan kerastick can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Levulan kerastick
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
If you experience severe stinging, burning, or itching that persists for more than four weeks, call your doctor immediately.
Levulan kerastick can cause the following side effects:
- Pain, burning, swelling, or redness on the treated skin.
- Itching, stinging, or prickly sensation.
- Scaling or crusting on the skin
- Headache;
- Chills
- Eyelids that puff up
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not expose your skin or hair to bright lights or sunlight for 48 hours after Levulan Kerastick has been applied.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Levulan Kerastick, it is best not to use this product.
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- A soybean allergy is a serious condition.
- Porphyria
Tell your doctor if pregnant or nursing.
How to take Levulan Kerastick?
Levulan Kerastick is applied directly by your healthcare provider to the skin lesions in preparation for light treatment.If you have actinic keratosis in both the face and scalp, it may be necessary to treat them separately.
You may be treated with Ameluz Gel.
- The skin is covered in a dressing that blocks out the light.
- After 3 hours, the dressing is removed and a light treatment is applied to the lesion.
You may be treated with the Levulan Kerastick Solution:
- If you want to receive a light tratment, you must come back to the doctor's office between 14 and 18 hours later.
- After the solution is applied, the skin should be kept dry.
- While waiting for the light treatment, do not wash your skin.
The photodynamic light is low-intensity and won't heat up your skin. You may experience tingling or stinging where Levulan Kerastick has been applied. This discomfort will usually only last a short time.You will need to protect the skin for up to 48 hours from bright lights. Sunscreen is not effective in protecting you from bright light while this medication is on your scalp or skin. Avoid both bright indoor and outdoor light. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Reduce your exposure to sunlight if you experience stinging, burning, or itching on the treated area.Your lesions may be swollen, red, or scaly. These symptoms should disappear completely in 4 weeks.If you experience severe skin irritation or have skin conditions that are new or getting worse, call your doctor.You may need to repeat the treatment if your actinic lesions don't disappear completely. Levulan kerastick can be used again after 8 weeks. Ameluz can be repeated for three months.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to return for the light treatment in the recommended time frame of 14–18 hours following Levulankerastick, call your doctor. It is important that you use this medicine in conjunction with the light treatment.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because Levulan Kerasticks are applied by healthcare professionals in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Do not expose yourself to bright lights or sunlight for at least 48 hours. Wear clothing and a hat that cover your skin. If you miss the appointment for light treatment, avoid bright light up to 48 hours later.
Do not use other medications on areas that have been treated with Levulan Kerastick unless you are told to by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Certain drugs can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.
- An antisulfa drug or antibiotic;
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Medicine to treat nausea and vomiting.
- Antipsychotic medication
- An oral diabetes
This list is incomplete. Levulan Kerastick may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
