This medication is used to treat cutaneous T-cell
lymphoma (CTCL), a type of cancer that affects the skin and blood and
sometimes the lymph nodes and other organs. CTCL is caused by the
uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells in the skin. This drug is
used in a procedure called photopheresis. Some of your blood is removed
from your body through a vein and goes into a special machine that
separates the white blood cells. The machine adds methoxsalen to these
white blood cells, then shines ultraviolet (UV) light on them. Then the
machine returns the treated cells (and the rest of your blood) to your body
through the same vein. Your immune system is thought to react to the
treated cells and other similar untreated T-cells that are not working
properly. This effect helps to restore your immune balance and lessens the
skin problems (such as rash, plaques, tumors) of CTCL. Methoxsalen is known
as a psoralen photosensitizer. It works by making the treated white blood
cells more sensitive to UV light.
See Uses section.
This medication is injected into your collected white
blood cells during photopheresis by a health care professional. This
medication is used as directed by your doctor, usually once a day for 2
days in a row. Photopheresis is usually repeated every 4 weeks depending on
your response to treatment.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, the
amount of white blood cells collected, and response to
treatment.
See also Precautions section.
Dizziness, headache, weakness, leg cramps, or
bitter/sour taste in the mouth may occur. Skin freckling, dry skin, and
skin aging may also occur. If these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- depression
- swollen ankles/feet
- new/unusual skin sores
- irregular heartbeat
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using methoxsalen, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to sunlight; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- unusual or bad reactions to other psoralen products
- conditions that make you sensitive to light (such as lupus,
certain porphyrias, xeroderma pigmentosum, albinism)
- removal of natural lens in the eye
- coal tar/UVA treatment
- radiation treatment
- arsenic treatments
- other skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell
carcinomas)
- cataracts
- liver problems
- kidney problems
- heart problems
For 24 hours after treatment with this medication, your
eyes and skin will be more sensitive to the sun, including sunlight through
a glass window. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and
sunlamps. To protect your skin during this time, use sunscreen and wear
protective clothing when outdoors. To protect your eyes, wear dark
wrap-around UV-absorbing sunglasses. Tell your doctor right away if you
have vision changes, skin blisters/redness/swelling/peeling, or if you get
sunburned. Ask your doctor for details.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using methoxsalen.
Methoxsalen may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your
doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
serious burning/blistering of skin.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood counts) should
be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each scheduled treatment with
this medication as directed. If you miss a treatment, ask your doctor for a
new treatment schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.