Prescription Required
Description
Oxsoralen is an oral tablet made up of a psoralens called methoxsalen. We carry the generic alternative of this medication in 10mg.
This medication is used along with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis. Psoriasis is a long term skin disease where the skin cells have a much faster rate of growth and because of this, the surface of the skin will collect a buildup of cells. The buildup will form red, raised patches that are covered with silver-colored scales. In the case of severe psoriasis, these irritating patches will take up more than 10% of your body or may take place on sensitive areas such as the face, palms, soles, or skin folds. This treatment should only be used for cases of severe psoriasis that has not been treated successfully with other treatments.
This treatment is effective in treating severe psoriasis because the Oxsoralen (methoxsalen) makes the skin more sensitive to the UVA light while the UVA light penetrates the skin and slows the growth of skin cells.
Directions
Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Oxsoralen (methoxsalen) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.
Before treatment, your doctor may want to test your eyes beforehand.
Tell your doctor if you lose or gain weigh as this treatment is mainly based off weight.
You will need to continue taking this medication following your UVA treatment. Follow your doctors directions very carefully.
To avoid an upset stomach, take this medication with low-fat food or milk.
Store at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and light.
Cautions
Do not use Oxsoralen (methoxsalen)
This treatment should not be used by anyone who has a sensitivity to light, if you have lens damage in your eyes, or if you have had skin cancer.
Avoid this product if you are allergic to methoxsalen and it is the main ingredient found in this pill.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease, liver or kidney disease, a skin pigment disorders, cataracts, basal cell carcinoma, if you sunburn easily, or if you have had radiation/x-ray therapy or treatment with arsenic trioxide.
Risks
You must avoid natural sunlight and tanning beds for at least 48 hours following the treatment. This drug can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin.
Do not expose yourself to sunlight for at least 24 hours prior to starting treatment. Avoid applying sunscreen to affects areas of skin that will be treated with UVA therapy.
It is not known if this drug will harm an unborn baby if taken orally. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before starting treatment.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Oxsoralen (methoxsalen) may include:
Itching; Redness; Nausea; Feeling nervous; or Sleep problems (insomnia).
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Oxsoralen (methoxsalen) may include:
Severe skin redness within 24 hours following UVA treatment; Swelling, severe itching, or severe skin discomfort; Skin redness and swelling with blisters; Worsening of your psoriasis; A new skin lesion, or a mole that has changed in size or color; or Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
allergic reaction: sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy, red, or watering eyes (conjunctivitis), wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, a raised itchy, red rash (hives) or swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.
FAQs
What should I avoid while using this treatment?
Avoid all sunlight exposure including tanning beds; doing so can cause harmful effects on your skin and vision.
Is this treatment safe or effective for children?
This treatment is safe and effective for children who are at least 12 years old. Anyone younger than 12 is not approved to use this treatment.
What is the average dose?
Your dose will depend on your weight: your dose will be taken 1.5 – 2 hours before UVA exposure.
Under 30 kg: 10 mg
30 to 50 kg: 20 mg
51 to 65 kg: 30 mg
66 to 80 kg: 40 mg
81 to 90 kg: 50 mg
91 to 115 kg: 60 kg
Over 115 kg: 70 mg
Are there any drug interactions?
Yes. There are 3 major drug interactions associated with methoxsalen which includes aminolevulinic acid, rasagiline, and tizanidine.
This is not a complete list of drug interactions.
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