Type of medicine: psoralen
Generic and brand names: methoxsalen, topical; Oxsoralen Lotion
This medicine is applied to the skin by a healthcare provider to treat vitiligo (a disease that turns patches of skin smooth and white). It is used along with ultraviolet (UVA) radiation.
This treatment is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had arsenic therapy, radiation treatment, or X-rays. You may be more sensitive to this treatment.
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Your healthcare provider will apply the lotion to areas of your skin that are affected by the disease. Your skin will then be exposed to controlled ultraviolet radiation. The treatments are usually given weekly. Keep all appointments for treatments.
Your skin will start to heal after a few weeks, but significant improvement may take 6 to 9 months of treatments.
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly. If you do not understand any part of this treatment, ask your healthcare provider to explain.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: severe skin burns.
This is a very powerful medicine and treatment. Serious burns can result if this medicine is not used properly, or if you are overexposed to ultraviolet light, including sunlight. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning beds or booths.
Avoid exposure to the sun, even on a cloudy day or through windows, for at least 24 hours before and 48 hours after treatment or as instructed by your healthcare provider. If you cannot avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, such as a hat and gloves, and sunscreen lotion of at least SPF 30 on all exposed skin, including your lips. Your healthcare provider may instruct you to not use sunscreen on areas of your skin that are to be treated. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Do not touch the areas that are treated. You must never handle this medicine. It must be applied by your healthcare provider only.
You will need to have lab tests and eye exams regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: Report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe burns, severe blistering and peeling of the skin, swelling in your feet and legs, vision problems.
Other: Minor blistering or irritation of the skin.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking or using:
Avoid foods such as carrots, celery, cloves, figs, limes, lemons, mustard, parsley, and parsnips while you are taking this medicine. They may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
