Methoxsalen (Topical)
Brand Names : Oxsoralen Lotion, UltraMOP Lotion
Before Using This MedicineMethoxsalen is a very strong
medicine that increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. In addition to
causing serious sunburns if not properly used, it has been reported to increase
the chance of skin cancer. Also, like too much sunlight, PUVA can cause premature
aging of the skin. Therefore, methoxsalen should be used only as directed
and should not
be used simply for suntanning.
Before using this medicine, be sure that you have discussed its use with your
doctor.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be
weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor
will make. For topical methoxsalen, the following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to methoxsalen. Also tell your health care professional
if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Diet - Eating certain foods while you are using methoxsalen
may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. To help prevent this, avoid
eating limes, figs, parsley, parsnips, mustard, carrots, and celery while
you are being treated with this medicine.
Pregnancy - Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done
in either humans or animals.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether methoxsalen passes into
breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,
many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking
this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult
patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of methoxsalen
in children up to 12 years of age with use in other age groups.
Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically
in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly
the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects
or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use
of topical methoxsalen in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are using
topical methoxsalen, it is especially important that your health care professional
know if you are receiving the following:
-
Recent treatment with x-rays or cancer medicines or plans to have
x-rays in the near future - Increases the chance of side effects from
treatment with PUVA
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of topical methoxsalen. Make sure you tell your
doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Allergy to sunlight (or family history of) or
-
Infection or
-
Lupus erythematosus or
-
Porphyria or
-
Skin cancer (history of) or
-
Skin conditions (other) - Use of PUVA may make the condition
worse
-
Heart or blood vessel disease (severe) - The heat or prolonged
standing associated with each light treatment may make the condition worse
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