What is methoxsalen?
Methoxsalen is a naturally occurring substance that is reactive to light. It works by enhancing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet light A (UVA).
Methoxsalen is used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis.
Methoxsalen is usually given after other psoriasis medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Methoxsalen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about methoxsalen?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methoxsalen, if you have a condition that makes you more sensitive to light (lupus, porphyria, albinism, and others), or if you have a history of skin cancer or damage to the lenses of your eyes due to surgery, injury, or genetic condition.
Before taking methoxsalen, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney or liver disease, a history of cataracts, a skin pigment disorder, if you are extremely sensitive to sunlight, if you have ever received radiation or x-ray therapy, or if you have recently gained or lost weight.
After taking methoxsalen and receiving UVA treatment, you must protect your eyes and skin from natural sunlight (even sun shining through a window). You may develop cataracts if you do not properly protect your eyes after you are treated with methoxsalen and UVA treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have severe skin redness within 24 hours after UVA treatment, or if you have any severe effects on your skin such as swelling, itching, discomfort, blisters, or severe rash.
There are many other drugs that can interact with methoxsalen, including drugs applied to the skin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking methoxsalen?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methoxsalen, or if you have:
a history of skin cancer;
lupus, porphyria, albinism, or other conditions that make you more sensitive to light; or
damage to the lenses of your eyes caused by surgery, injury, or genetic condition.
Before your UVA treatment: Do not expose your skin to sunlight for at least 24 hours before you take methoxsalen. Avoid applying sunscreen to areas of psoriasis that will be treated with UVA therapy.
You may need to have your eyes examined before you start taking methoxsalen.
To make sure you can safely take methoxsalen, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
heart disease;
kidney disease;
liver disease;
a history of cataracts;
a skin pigment disorder;
if you are extremely sensitive to sunlight;
if you have ever received radiation or x-ray therapy; or
if you have recently gained or lost weight.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether methoxsalen will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether methoxsalen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using methoxsalen.