Methoxsalen Solution

Methoxsalen Solution Ingredients: Methoxsalen Solution
Representative Names: Uvadex

What is Methoxsalen Solution ?
Methoxsalen Solution is a medicine that sensitizes your blood cells to ultraviolet (UV) light. Methoxsalen Solution and ultraviolet light treats skin problems associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma or mycosis fungoides; this treatment is called photopheresis. Photopheresis is a process where your white blood cells are seperated from the rest of your blood. The white blood cells are exposed the Methoxsalen Solution and UV light and then reinfused back into you. Generic Methoxsalen Solution is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take Methoxsalen Solution ?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•absence of the lens in the eye
•albinism
•cataracts
•liver disease
•porphyria
•skin cancer
•skin photosensitivity problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Methoxsalen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take Methoxsalen Solution ?
During photopheresis, Methoxsalen Solution will be added to a solution containing your white blood cells. Your white blood cells will then be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and then reinfused into you through a vein.

What if I miss a Methoxsalen Solution dose ?
This does not apply. If you miss your appointment for your photopheresis, call to reschedule it as soon as possible.

Methoxsalen Solution Side Effects
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•burning, blistering, or swelling skin
•changes in vision
•depression
•skin rash
•unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•sun sensitivity
•mild redness of the skin
•difficulty sleeping
•dizziness
•generalized itching, dry skin
•headache
•leg cramps
•nausea, vomiting

What should I watch for while taking Methoxsalen Solution ?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Methoxsalen Solution and UVA can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Show your prescriber or health care professional any unusual sores or blemishes that develop. If your skin gets very dry, ask your prescriber or health care professional before you use any skin cream or lotion. Visit your ophthalmologist regularly for a check up and report any changes in your vision.

Methoxsalen Solution can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light which could lead to a serious burn. If you must be outside, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Certain foods can increase your sensitivity to sunlight while taking Methoxsalen Solution. Avoid eating limes, figs, parsley, parsnips, mustard, carrots, and celery while using Methoxsalen Solution.

Wear wrap-around sunglasses that block all ultraviolet light for 24 hours after you have taken a dose of Methoxsalen Solution to protect your eyes from cataract formation.

You can get permanent premature aging of the skin if you take Methoxsalen Solution for a long time. This effect is similar to the result of too much sunbathing.

Recent treatment with radiation therapy or cancer medicines increases the chance of developing side effects from combined light treatment and Methoxsalen Solution.

Where can I keep Methoxsalen Solution ?
Methoxsalen Solution will only be given during photopheresis therapy by a trained health care professional. You will not have to keep Methoxsalen Solution at home.

What drug(s) may interact with Methoxsalen Solution ?
Methoxsalen Solution will make you sensitive to the sun. This effect may be increased by other medicines that also cause sensitivity to the sun such as:
•griseofulvin
•medicines for infections including sulfa or tetracycline antibiotics
•medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
•some types of water pills (diuretics)
•vitamin A and vitamin A-like medicines and creams (examples: Accutane®, Solage®, Retin-A®, or Differin®)
•vitamin E

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way Methoxsalen Solution works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.