Methoxsalen: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is methoxsalen for?

Methoxsalen is a drug made from natural substances that react to light, with the function of increasing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet A (UVA) light.

Methoxsalen is used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis. Methoxsalen is usually given if other psoriasis medicines have not worked.

Methoxsalen can cause harmful effects on your eyesight and skin (premature aging or skin cancer). This medication is only useful for severe psoriasis that does not improve with other treatments. You must remain under a doctor's care while using methoxsalen.

Methoxsalen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to use methoxsalen?

Follow all directions on your medicine label. Do not take this medication in amounts larger or smaller or for longer than recommended.

You will take methoxsalen certain hours before you are scheduled to receive UVA treatment. Soft gelatin capsules (Oxsoralen-Ultra) are more easily absorbed in the body than hard gelatin capsules (8-Mop). Timing Your dosage will depend on the type of capsule you are taking. You may also need to keep taking methoxsalen after UVA treatment, short-term or as needed. Follow doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Take this medication with a low-fat or milk diet if this medication upset your stomach.

If your doctor changes the brand, strength, or type of methoxsalen, your dosage requirements and your UVA light therapy schedule may change.

Oxsoralen-Ultra and 8-Mop are not the same drug and may not have a similar dosage or schedule. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the new methoxsalen you receive at the pharmacy.

Methoxsalen will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and possibly cause sunburn, which can interfere with psoriasis treatment.

For at least 8 hours after you take methoxsalen:

• Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning bed.
• Even sunlight shining through clouds or windows can expose you to harmful UV rays.
• Wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) when you are outside or near a window.
• Do not apply sunscreen on areas with active psoriasis that will be treated with UVA therapy.

During 24-48 hours after you receive UVA treatment:

• You need to protect your skin and eyes from natural sunlight (even those shining through the window).
• Wear sunglasses for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• For the best protection, wear a pair of sunglasses with a UVA absorbent cover even when you are indoors by a window.
• Do not expose skin to sun or light tanning bed for at least 48 hours. Wear protective clothing including a hat and gloves. Apply sunscreen of minimum SPF 30 on uncovered areas exposed to light.

You may develop cataracts if you don't protect your eyes properly after you've been treated with methoxsalen and UVA treatments.

Follow your doctor's instructions about using topical psoriasis medications or moisturizing lotions after methoxsalen and UVA treatment.

When using methoxsalen, check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer, such as small bumps, scaly or crusty sores, brown spots or patches, or changes in the shape, color of the mole, or the feeling that something changes when the mole is touched.

After receiving UVA treatment, you may have to check your skin for signs of cancer throughout your life.

How is methoxsalen stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of methoxsalen for adults?

Adult dosage for psoriasis

Initial dose: Based on the patient's body weight.

<30 kg = 10 mg
30-50 kg = 20 mg
51-65 kg = 30 mg
66 -80 kg = 40 mg
81 - 90 kg = 50 mg
91 - 115 kg = 60 mg
> 115 kg = 70 mg

Adult dosage for T-cell skin lymphoma

Initial dose: 10 ml (200 mcg) of sterile methoxsalen solution is injected directly into the photoactivation bag during the first buffy layer collection cycle.

Treatment: Given on two consecutive days every 4 weeks.

Duration: At least 7 treatment cycles (6 months).

What is the dosage of methoxsalen for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult a doctor for more information.

In what dosage is methoxsalen available?

Capsules, liquid filled drugs, oral: 10 mg.

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to methoxsalen?

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, weakness, leg cramps, or a bitter / sour taste in the mouth may occur. Freckles, dry skin, and aging skin may also appear. If these effects don't get better or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this drug because the doctor has judged that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug do not experience serious side effects.

This medication will make your eyes and skin more sensitive to sunlight. (See also Precautions section). Tell the doctor right away if any signs of sun sensitivity appear: skin swells / reddens / blisters / peels, vision changes.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any serious side effects, including: depression, swollen feet / ankles, new / unusual skin pain, irregular heartbeat.

Very serious allergic reactions to this drug are very rare. However, get medical help as soon as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching / swelling (especially of the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you want to know about side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using methoxsalen?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you:

• Allergy to methoxsalen or similar "psoralen" drugs
• Have a history of skin cancer
• Have lupus, porphyria, albino, or another condition that makes you more sensitive to light
• Have damage to the eye lens due to surgery, injury, or genetic conditions

Is methoxsalen safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There are not sufficient studies in women to determine the risks to the baby when using this medicine during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits against the potential risks before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with methoxsalen?

Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change your dose without your doctor's approval.

• Griseofulvin
• Nalidixic acid
• Antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), doxycycline, levofloxacin (Levaquin), minocycline, ofloxacin, tetracycline), and so on
• Bacteriostatic soap
• Coal tar applied to the skin or scalp (Neutrogena T / Gel, Psoriasin, Tegrin Medicated, etc.)
• Diuretics or "water pills"
• Medicines to treat mental disorders (eg chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, etc.)
• Dyes such as methylene blue, toluene blue, bengal pink, or methyl orange or
• Sulfa drugs (Bactrim, SMX-TMP, or SMZ-TMP, and others)

Can food or alcohol interact with methoxsalen?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medication with food, alcohol, or cigarettes.

What health conditions can interact with methoxsalen?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of the drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Albino (lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, or just the eyes)
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria
• Lupus erythematosus
• Porphyria cutanea tarda
• Skin cancer
• Variegate porphyria
• Xeroderma pigmentosum — Methoxsalen treatment may make the condition worse
• Eye problems, such as cataracts or loss of eye lenses - Methoxsalen and light treatment may aggravate the condition or cause eye damage

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. You will be very sensitive to light after an overdose.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, get it as soon as possible. However, when it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double up on a dose to make up for a missed dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.