U.S. Brand Names

8-MOP®; Oxsoralen-Ultra®; Oxsoralen®; Uvadex®

Canadian Brand Names

Oxsoralen-Ultra®; Oxsoralen®; Ultramop™; Uvadex®

Mexican Brand Names

Meladinina

Pharmacologic Category

Psoralen

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

Severe burns can occur if this medicine is not used correctly. Follow healthcare provider's directions closely.

There are different brands of this medicine. One brand cannot safely be exchanged for another. Any change must be directed by healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years of age.

• If you have an allergy to methoxsalen or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Melanoma or squamous cell cancer.

• If you sunburn easily.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat white patches of skin called vitiligo, increase tolerance to sunlight, or enhance pigmentation of the skin.

• This medicine is used to treat psoriasis.

• This medicine is used to treat skin cancer from lymphoma.

How does it work?

• Methoxsalen increases skin color.

• It increases the sensitivity of the skin to light therapy.

• It injures cancer cells causing their death.

• It reduces irritation.

How is it best taken?

Oral:

• Take this medicine 2 hours before exposure to UV light.

• Take this medicine with food.

• Avoid eating foods such as carrots, celery, cloves, figs, lemons, limes, mustard, or parsley.

Skin:

• Use a rubber glove to apply.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for instructions.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Wear sunglasses during exposure and for 24 hours after exposure and protect lips with lipstick that contains sunscreen.

• Do not go over exposure time.

• Exposure to sun or UV rays may age skin and increase risk of skin cancer.

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Sunburn.

• Skin irritation.

• Itching.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe skin irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and gelcaps from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• This medicine will be applied in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 14:10:39.0

Modified: 2009-05-26 11:45:18.0

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