What is Methoxsalen?
Methoxsalen increases the body's ability to detect ultraviolet light (UVA). The use of methoxsalen with UVA therapy is recommended to treat lesions on the skin caused by cutaneous lymphoma. Methoxsalen only treats the symptoms on the skin of CTCL, not lymphoma. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of methoxsalen.
Side effects of Methoxsalen
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Methoxsalen may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe skin redness 24 hours after UVA exposure;
- Skin discomfort, such as swelling or itching;
- An open lesion or sore that has become reddened, raised, rough, or hardened
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Blurred vision or tunnel vision Eye pain, swelling, or halos around lights
After photopheresis, methoxsalen can cause skin redness and thickening. This may last for several days or even hours. It is not a sign that you have a severe sunburn. This may be the normal side effect of methoxsalen treatment. If you are concerned about redness or swelling on your skin, consult your doctor.
Side effects associated with methoxsalen include:
- Rash;
- Fever;
- Nausea;
- Changes in your taste buds.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any adverse reactions by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you're sensitive to light or have damaged lenses in your eyes, you shouldn't be treated with methoxsalen.
Before you take this drug
Methoxsalen should not be used if:
- Lupus, porphyria, or albinism are all conditions that make you sensitive to light.
- Damage to your lenses is caused by injury, surgery, or a genetic condition.
If you've ever:
- A severe sunburn;
- A skin pigment disorder;
- Basal cellular carcinoma
- Treatment with arsenic trioxide, radiation therapy, or x-rays;
- Liver or kidney disease
- Cataracts;
- Heart disease.
Methoxsalen may cause harm to an unborn child. Prevent pregnancy by using effective contraception, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about the risks.
How to take Methoxsalen?
A methoxsalen injection is given as part of a procedure called photopheresis (FOE-toe-fe-REE-sis). Photopheresis is the process of collecting some blood through a catheter placed in a vein. A machine separates white blood cells and other blood components using the catheter. When the treated blood cells are injected back into your body, they help strengthen your immune system and lessen skin lesions caused by CTCL. These treated blood cells are injected into the body to strengthen your immune system and reduce skin lesions caused by CTCL. The treatment usually involves two consecutive days every four weeks for at least six months. Methoxsalen can make your skin and vision more sensitive to the sun, which may cause premature aging or cancer.
At least 24 hours following each treatment of photopheresis:
- Protect your eyes and skin from the sun (including sunlight shining through windows).
- Avoid exposing your skin to sunlight. Wear gloves and a hat, as well as protective clothing. Apply sunscreens with an SPF minimum of 15 to any exposed skin.
- Even if you're indoors, near a window, or in the shade, wear a pair of UVA-absorbing wraparound sunglasses.
If you don't protect your eyes properly after photopheresis treatments, then cataracts may form. 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. Prevent skin cancer with regular skin checks.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you cannot attend your appointment, call your physician and seek instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek immediate medical attention. After an overdose, you will become extremely sensitive to the light.
What should be avoided?
Do not expose yourself to artificial UV or sunlight between treatments.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of all medications taken, such as:
- Anthralin;
- An anti-biotic, or a sulfa medication;
- A bacteriostatic soap;
- 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;
- Select a staining dye such as methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal or methyl orange to achieve your desired effects.
The list below is not exhaustive. Methoxsalen can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins, herbal products, prescription medicines, or over-the-counter medicines. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
