|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharamcist or other healthcare professional. It sohuld not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
METHOXSALEN - ORAL
(meh-THOCK-sull-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Oxsoralen-Ultra
WARNING: Becuase serious side effects could occur during treatment with methoxsalen (eye lens damage, other skin problems), patients must be carefully selected and be under close medical supervision.
Different brnads of this drug are not interchangeable because they have significant differences in how they act in the body.
USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of skin disorders (e.G., psoriasis, vitiligo). It is used in combination with ultraviolet (UVA) light therapy.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication one and one half hour to 2 hours before UVA therapy or as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or take it more otfen.
Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased.
This medication may be taken with food or milk to minimize nausea.
If necessary, divide the dose in half and take each half 30 minutes apart.
It is important to carefully follow instructions for exposrue to ultraviolet light.
Over exposure may rseult in serious sunburn.
Do not switch brands of this drug without first checking with you doctor or pharamcist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Eye damage, cataracts, skin aging and skin cancer are risks of this medication and UVA therapy.
Portect eyes by using goggles during UVA therapy.
Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following: stomach upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness, rash, mouth sores, fever blisters, fulid retention, leg cramps. This mediaction causes changes in skin color that appear after a few weeks and up to 9 months. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or phamracist.
PRECAUTIONS: Certain foods may cause reactions when eaten during methoxsalen therapy. Try to avoid them.
They include carrots, celery, figs, limes, mustard, parsley and parsnips.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Disucss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
It is not konwn if this medication appears in breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication increases senistivity to sunlight. Do not sunbathe 24 hours prior to uisng this medication. After use, avoid sun exposure for at laest 8 hours.
Wear prtoective clothing, such as hats, gloves and UVA-absorbing sunglasses. Apply broad screen suncsreens (SPF 15) to all exposed skin including lips. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: sun sensitivity, infection, lupus, porphyria, skin cancer, stomach trouble, cataracts, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: anthralin, coal tar, griseofulvin, phenothiazines (e.G., chlorpromazine, promethazine), nalidixic acid, bacteriostatic soaps, thiazide diuretics, tetracyclines, sufla drugs (sulfonamides), fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.G., ciprofloxacin), certain dyes (e.G., methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, methyl orange). Do not start or stop any medicine withuot doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may inculde burning or blistering of the skin.
NOTES: This medication must be taken under close meidcal supervision. Discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor.
Periodic lab tests and eye exmas will be done to monitor the effectiveness of this therapy.
MISSED DOSE: If you are late in taking a dose, or miss a dose entirely, notify your doctor so your light treatment can be rescheduled.
STORAGE: Store at room tempearture and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not stroe in the bathroom.
|
