Methoxsalen

What is Methoxsalen?

Methoxsalen increases the body's ability to detect ultraviolet light (UVA). Methoxsalen can be used with UVA therapy in conjunction to treat severe cases of psoriasis. Methoxsalen may cause harm to your eyesight and skin (premature aging or cancer). Methoxsalen should only be used for severe cases of psoriasis that have not responded to other treatment options. Methoxsalen must be taken under medical supervision. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of methoxsalen.

Side effects of Methoxsalen

If you experience symptoms of an allergy such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in the lips, face, throat, tongue or mouth - please seek medical assistance immediately.

Methoxsalen may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• Severe skin rashes within 24 hours of UVA treatment
• Skin discomfort, such as swelling or itching;
• Skin redness, swelling, and blisters
• Your psoriasis is getting worse.
• A new lesion or mole that has either changed size or color;
• Blurred vision or tunnel vision Eye pain, swelling, or halos around lights

Mild skin redness can occur. It may last up to 2 days. It is not a sign that you have a severe sunburn. If you are concerned about redness or swelling, ask your doctor.

Methoxsalen's side effects may include:

• Itching, redness;
• Nausea;
• Feeling nervous
• Sleep problems (insomnia).

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report adverse reactions by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Stelara, Duobrii, Siliq, Wynzora, Enstilar, Methotrexate, and Humira

Warnings

If you're sensitive to light or have damaged lenses in your eyes, you shouldn't use methoxsalen. Stay out of direct sunlight for 48 hours after UVA treatment. Oxsoralen Ultra is not the same as 8-Mop, and they may have different dosing regimens.

Before you take this drug

Methoxsalen should be avoided if:

• Lupus, porphyria, or albinism are all conditions that make one more sensitive to light.
• A history of skin cancer, such as melanoma or squamous-cell carcinoma;
• Damage to your lenses is caused by injury, surgery, or a genetic condition.

Don't expose your skin for 24 hours to the sun before taking methoxsalen. Apply sunscreen sparingly to the areas that are being treated with UVA. Before you begin taking methoxsalen, it is important to get your eyes checked.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that methoxsalen will be safe for you:

• Heart disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• A skin pigment disorder;
• Cataracts;
• Basal cellular carcinoma
• Extreme sensitivity to the sun (if you get sunburned easily);
• Treatment with arsenic trioxide, radiation therapy, or x-rays

There is no information on whether orally taking methoxsalen will cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant. You may be unable to breastfeed your baby while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any possible risks.

How to take Methoxsalen?

It is important to first have your eyes checked. Use the medicine exactly as directed on your prescription. Follow the directions on your prescription label. The dose of methoxsalen is based on your weight. Inform your doctor of any weight gain or loss. Methoxsalen is taken a number of hours prior to receiving UVA therapy. The soft gelatin capsules of Oxsoralen Ultra are easier to absorb than the hard gelatin (8-Mop). Your dose depends on which capsule type you're taking. After UVA therapy, you may have to continue taking methoxsalen. Please follow your doctor's dosage instructions. If this medication upsets your stomach, take it with milk or low-fat foods. Your dose requirements and UVA therapy schedule could change if your doctor switches brands, strengths, or types of methoxsalen. Oxsoralen Ultra and 8-Mop may not be equivalent medications and have different dosing regimens. Methoxsalen can make your skin and vision more sensitive to the sun, which may cause harm (premature skin aging or cancer).

Do not take any other medications for at least 8 hours following the methoxsalen.

• Avoid tanning or exposure to the sun.
• You can be exposed to UV radiation by sunlight that shines through clouds or glass windows.
• When you're outdoors or close to a window, wear protective clothing. Use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF protection.
• Avoid applying sunscreen to areas where psoriasis is active and will be treated by UVA.

After receiving UVA treatment, you should wait 24 to 48 hours before heading back home.

• Protect your eyes and skin from the sun (even if it is shining through windows).
• Avoid exposing your skin to sunlight. Wear gloves and a hat, as well as protective clothing. Apply sunscreen with an SPF minimum of 30 to any exposed skin.
• After treatment, wear sunglasses for at least 24 hours.
• Wear a pair or wraparound UVA-absorbing shades, even if you're indoors and near a window.

If you don't protect your eyes properly after UVA and methoxsalen treatment, cataracts may occur.

After your UVA and methoxsalen treatment, follow your doctor's directions for applying any topical medications to treat psoriasis or moisturizing creams. Regularly check your skin for any signs of cancer. These include a nodule or small growth, a crusty lesion or brownish spot, or changes in size, color, or texture of the mole. Always remain aware of any signs or symptoms of skin cancer and conduct regular checks for them. Keep methoxsalen away from heat, moisture, and light.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you have not taken methoxsalen before the UVA treatment, call your doctor to get instructions. Change may be necessary in regards to your appointment.

What happens if I overdose?

Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. It may be prescribed that you vomit or stay in the dark for at least 24 hours. After an overdose, you will become extremely sensitive to light.

What should be avoided?

Do not expose yourself to artificial UV or sunlight rays, except for your light therapy sessions.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using. If you use other medications, such as:

• Anthralin;
• An antibiotic, or sulfa drug;
• Certain antimicrobial soaps
• A diuretic, or "water pills."
• Coal tar can be applied topically to the scalp or skin using neutrogena gel, psoriasin, and tegrin medical.
• Medicine to treat mental illness—fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others;
• A staining dye, such as methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, or methyl orange.

The list below is not exhaustive. Methoxsalen may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, etc. This medication guide does not list all interactions.