This medication is used along with controlled
ultraviolet light (UVA) to help control severe psoriasis. Methoxsalen works
by making the skin more sensitive to UVA light. This combination helps to
slow the overgrowth of skin cells.
This medication is not recommended for use in children
younger than 12 years.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used for other skin conditions
(such as vitiligo, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-CTCL).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking methoxsalen and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Do not sunbathe for 24 hours before taking methoxsalen
and having the UVA light treatment.
Take this medication by mouth with low fat food or milk
as directed by your doctor, usually 90 minutes to 2 hours before your UVA
light treatment. Taking methoxsalen with food helps to increase absorption
of the medication and also decreases nausea.
The dosage of methoxsalen is based on your weight,
medical condition, and response to treatment. The amount and time of UVA
light for each treatment is based on your skin type and response to
treatment. You may have UVA light treatments 2 to 4 times a week when you
first start and then less often as your condition improves.
For 24 hours after taking the capsule, during daylight
hours wear wrap-around sunglasses which block out UVA light. This will
prevent UVA rays from entering the eyes. UVA light can cause methoxsalen to
bind to the lenses of the eyes, causing cataracts. Also, avoid sunlight
(including sunlight through windows) on your skin or lips for at least 8
hours after taking methoxsalen. This will prevent the body from getting too
much UVA rays which could lead to sunburns. If you cannot avoid sunlight,
wear protective clothing (such as hat, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, pants)
and/or sunscreen which blocks out UVA light. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for information on which sunscreen to use. Do not apply the
sunscreen to areas of the skin affected by psoriasis until after the UVA
light treatment.
During the UVA light treatment, follow all instructions
given by the healthcare professional. After the UVA light treatment, do not
sunbathe for at least 48 hours. Doing so may increase the risk of severe
burns. Consult your doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Nausea or trouble sleeping may occur with methoxsalen.
Mild itching/drying/reddening/darkening of skin may occur when methoxsalen
is used along with UVA light treatment. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If needed, consult your doctor or pharmacist about which
products (such as a moisturizer) to use to help treat dry/itchy
skin.
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:
- severe reddening of skin
- blistering/peeling/burning of skin
- thinning/wrinkling skin
- painful browning/whitening/yellowing of nails
- unusual growths/moles/skin sores
- swelling ankles
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, nervousness)
- decreased/blurred vision
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 taking methoxsalen, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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:
- conditions that make you sensitive to light (such as lupus,
certain porphyrias, xeroderma pigmentosum, albinism)
- skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell
carcinomas)
- removal of natural lens in the eye
- coal tar/UVB treatment
- radiation treatment
- arsenic treatment
- cataracts
- liver disease
- heart disease
- kidney disease
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
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 medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication. 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 include: severe
reddening of skin, blistering/burning/peeling of skin.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams, complete
blood count, kidney/liver function) should be done while you are taking
this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor
for more details.
This medication is taken only before a UVA light
treatment. If you forget to take your dose as scheduled or miss a
treatment, contact your doctor right away to reschedule your
treatment.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.