What is Methyl aminolevulinate topical?
Your skin becomes more sensitive to the light when you use methyl aminolevulinate. The light reaction it causes can kill certain skin cancer cells. The combination of methyl aminolevulinate (for the surface) and red light therapy is used to treat the condition of actinic keratosis on the scalp and face. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for methyl aminolevulinate.
Side effects of Methyl aminolevulinate topical
If you notice any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek medical assistance immediately: Hives, difficulty breathing or swelling in lips, face, throat or tongue.
There are serious side effects associated with methyl aminolevulinate. If you experience:
- Severe stinging or burning of the treated area, as well as redness or swelling (particularly if this effect gets worse over time or persists longer than three weeks).
Side effects associated with methyl aminolevulinate include:
- Skin redness or warmth
- Blisters, skin ulcers;
- Peeling or crusting on treated skin.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report adverse reactions by calling the Food and Drug Administration's Hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Diclofenac Topical, Fluorouracil Topical, Topical Imiquimod, Efudex, Santyl, and Aldara
Warnings
If you have an allergy to peanuts, almonds, porphyrins, or light, then do not use this product.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- An allergic reaction to almonds or peanuts
- Porphyrin allergy;
- If your skin is particularly sensitive to the light,
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that methyl aminolevulinate will not harm you:
- A bleeding disorder;
- A history of cancer, or growths on the skin.
FDA pregnancy class CThere is no information on whether or not methyl aminolevulinate can harm a developing baby. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor. There is no way to know if methyl aminolevulinate can pass into the breast milk or harm nursing babies. You should tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding a child.
How to take Methyl aminolevulinate topical?
Topical methyl aminolevulinate is a cream applied to your lesions prior to receiving red light therapy. In a clinic setting, methyl aminolevulinate is applied by a healthcare professional. Your skin lesions are gently scraped before this medication is applied to remove scales and crusting. Your caregiver will apply methyl aminolevulinate to the affected area and then cover it with a bandage. This bandage must be left in place for three hours. Avoid exposure to sunlight, cold temperatures, or indoor bright lights during this three-hour time period. If you have to be outside during these three hours, wear a hat with a large brim. You will then be able to remove any remaining medication with a solution of saline. Then you are ready for the light therapy. You will receive eye protection to shield your eyes from the red light during treatment. You might feel some slight burning or stinging during the light therapy. If you experience any kind of discomfort, tell your caregivers. Two sessions of red light and methyl aminolevulinate therapy are usually scheduled one week apart. You may have a different treatment plan. You should follow your doctor's advice.
You may not see any improvement for several weeks. After your final treatment, your doctor should check the skin three months later. You may have to see your doctor more than once to get rid of your skin lesions.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You will not have a schedule of doses because methyl aminolevulinate can be applied when necessary prior to the red light therapy.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because methyl aminolevulinate will be administered by healthcare professionals in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Do not hesitate to tell your doctor if you get any medicine in your mouth, nose, eyes, or ears. After methyl aminolevulinate has been applied, avoid touching any treated areas of skin. The healthcare provider must wear special gloves when applying the medication. You should avoid letting your fingers come into contact with it. Avoid exposing the treated skin to bright light, such as sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds, for at least 48 hours after treatment. Sunscreens are not enough to protect the treated skin against harm from bright lights during this period. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing. You must protect your skin for at least 48 hours from any light after applying the cream, even if it does not include light therapy.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you may take orally or even inject will not have any effect on methyl aminolevulinate applied topically. Many drugs interact. Inform all healthcare providers of any medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbs.
